AACR Foundation Launches FIFTY for FIFTY Campaign

The AACR Foundation has launched FIFTY for FIFTY, an awareness and fundraising campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the National Cancer Act. The goal is to raise at least $50,000 to fund lifesaving cancer research to continue the progress against cancer.

“While tremendous progress has been made since the signing of the National Cancer Act, the more than 200 diseases we call cancer continue to pose enormous public health challenges,” said Mitch Stoller, chief philanthropic officer and vice president of development of the AACR Foundation. “The funds raised as part of the FIFTY for FIFTY initiative are critical to continuing the momentum in cancer research to find breakthroughs that will extend and improve lives.”

Since the campaign launched in July, various fundraising events and opportunities for donors and supporters have occurred. In September, the AACR Foundation held STRIDES, which challenged participants to raise funds and walk or run 50 miles during the month as part of a team or on their own. Following STRIDES, C.A.L.M., a wellness series, was held each Wednesday in October. This included virtual yoga and meditation sessions suitable for all skill levels led by instructors from OMM Yoga Studio, a Philadelphia-based studio.

To raise awareness of progress in cancer research, the campaign included weekly social media posts using the hashtag #AACR50for50. The posts included stories from various people impacted by cancer and facts focused on research milestones from the past half century.