At ACF we have been reflecting on what a year it’s been—and all the good that’s been happening, thanks to you.
Just this year, generous donors have made it possible for more than 800 anal cancer thrivers and caregivers to participate in our informational forums. These seminars allow cancer thrivers to overcome the enormous information gap that still exists. They support thrivers to become empowered, knowledgeable self-advocates on their treatment and recovery journeys.
I’d especially like you to meet Judy, who was diagnosed thirteen years ago with stage IIIB anal cancer. In September, she attended our anal cancer patient conference and had this to share about the experience:
“First-class conference with useful information and wonderful speakers. Networking was terrific. The biggest takeaway for me is that I have professional resources and people when I have questions and/or concerns, or am facing another set of rule-outs for a recurrence or new primary cancer.”
Judy is using the knowledge gleaned through the conference to help herself and is taking steps to help the next anal cancer thriver by serving as a mentor in our Peer-to-Peer Support Program.
Your investment in the anal cancer community is an investment in cancer thrivers like Judy. And I know, together we will:
- Empower anal cancer thrivers with information and support
- Accelerate treatment and prevention methods to end anal cancer and HPV
- Engage the community to build the medical, scientific, and social infrastructure needed to end these cancers and support those who face them
To fund our patient support programs in 2022, we are launching a $50,000 end of year campaign. Patient services include the Peer-to-Peer Support Program and informational forums like the Anal Cancer Patient Conference. We hope you will consider making the Anal Cancer Foundation part of your year-end giving plan to ensure these programs continue to be supported.
The campaign will begin with Giving Tuesday on November 30 and run through December 31, 2021. Thanks to two generous families personally affected by anal cancer, the first $20,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar. The match starts today for any person who would like to support the campaign early.
Together we’ll keep the good going until we end anal cancer and every person who faces it is given the information and support they need. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being part of this community.
With gratitude,
Justine Almada
Co-Founder
