Newswise — The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is now accepting applications for Survivor Circle grants from cancer support organizations in Illinois. ASTRO awards these grants to non-disease site specific cancer support groups located in the state where ASTRO holds its Annual Meeting. ASTRO's Annual Meeting will be held November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
The emphasis of this initiative is to provide cancer support organizations with funding to assist in continuing, growing or creating programs to help cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families from diagnosis through survivorship. A dedicated effort to reach all demographics of cancer patients in the city/state where the organization is located will be a key component considered in the review process. An emphasis on helping patients receiving radiation therapy is preferred, but not required. Since 2003, ASTRO has awarded more than $140,000 to support organizations in the states where the Society holds its annual scientific meeting.
"ASTRO is eager to help patient organizations because they provide so much support to the cancer patients and their families in a way that complements the work of our members who use radiation therapy to safely and effectively cure cancer," Laura Thevenot, ASTRO's CEO, said. "Through this program we hope to give back to the community in which we've chosen to hold our Annual Meeting and provide much needed funds to help the cancer patients that our physicians work so hard to cure."
Two grants will awarded in amounts of up to $10,000 each; they can be used for local transportation and other support needs, supplies necessary for cancer support group meetings, welcome kits for new patients/ families seeking assistance, and/or financial assistance for patients needing help with transportation or co-payments or other innovative programs.
Grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of members from the Chicago area, including physicians, medical physicists and nurses. Final approval will be determined by the ASTRO Board of Directors. The grant money will be awarded following the ASTRO Annual Meeting this November.
Applications must be received by August 8, 2009. For more information and to access the grant application, visit www.astro.org/Patients/SurvivorCircle/HowToParticipate .
ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. For more information on radiation therapy, visit www.rtanswers.org. To learn more about ASTRO, visit www.astro.org.
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