The ASCO Cancer Foundation: Ushering in a New Era of Philanthropy
New Chair of Foundation Board of Directors discusses name change, strategic fundraising initiatives
The ASCO Foundation’s recent rebranding efforts have resulted in several exciting outcomes, one of which is a name change: effective April 1, 2008, the organization became officially known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation.
By adding the word “cancer” to its official name, The Foundation underscored its mission and expertise to ensure that the focus remained on patients at all points along the spectrum — from research and discoveries to clinical care and survivorship. The new name also is intended to raise awareness about The Foundation’s considerable resources and to expand its fundraising reach.
In 2007, The Foundation raised more than $27 million to support research initiatives in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The ASCO Cancer Foundation’s existing funding mechanisms will continue to provide support for fellows and established oncologists, and grants in emerging areas of research focus will be developed to assist investigators at every stage of their careers.
Joseph S. Bailes, MD, Chair of The ASCO Cancer Foundation Board of Directors, discussed the new name for The Foundation with ASCO News & Forum, as well as what this name change means for the overall mission of The Foundation. With Dr. Bailes and Executive Director Susan Braun at the helm, The Foundation will continue to grow and to fund important work in the field of oncology by encouraging contributions from public, private, and corporate supporters.
Q: What was the impetus for the name change to The ASCO Cancer Foundation?
A: The Foundation has been active in serving the cancer community for many years, particularly through funding the research of young and mid-career investigators and through the development and dissemination of patient education materials. As we continue to support outstanding cancer research and to bring the most current and accurate information to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, we believe that adding “cancer” to the name of The Foundation helps to highlight that work and to expand our reach. We are excited about [having become] The ASCO Cancer Foundation.
Q: Does the rebranding effort reflect a change in The Foundation’s mission?
A: The rebranding adds focus to and increases public understanding of our mission, which is to support educational programs of the highest quality in cancer care and prevention; to facilitate the dissemination of information about cancer and cancer treatment to patients and their families; and to support, encourage, and recognize excellence in clinical research in the field of oncology through our grants program. Our mission remains constant; the rebranding underscores that.
Q: What are The Foundation’s goals for the future?
A: We are committed to very lofty goals for the future. We believe in and support the following:
a continually rising life expectancy for those diagnosed with cancer;
increased length and improved quality of survivorship following a cancer diagnosis;
more targeted and effective treatments that contribute to longer and better quality of life for patients with cancer;
dissemination of information regarding advances in cancer research so as to increase understanding for both physicians and patients;
clinical and translational research that continues to provide understanding about the causes of cancer and its prevention, early diagnosis, and optimal treatment; and
creation of a world without cancer.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that raises and grants funds to help ensure that anyone diagnosed with cancer receives the best care possible. The ASCO Cancer Foundation helps to build the critical cadre of extraordinary cancer care providers and supports them in their lifelong learning. We make their knowledge and understanding available to the public through patient and family education and support.
For More Information: This article is reprinted from the April 2008 issue of ASCO News & Forum.
Noted Authority on Oncology Regulatory Affairs Named Chair of The ASCO Cancer Foundation Board of Directors
In the fall of 2007, Joseph S. Bailes, MD, was named Chair of The ASCO Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. A former ASCO President, Dr. Bailes is a nationally recognized leader in the field of cancer public policy and has been actively involved in discussions about the legislative and regulatory issues that have shaped the current environment for cancer research, care, and treatment.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Bailes serve The ASCO Cancer Foundation in this capacity,” said Allen S. Lichter, MD, ASCO Executive Vice President and CEO in a previous interview with ASCO News & Forum. “For nearly 2 decades, Dr. Bailes has committed his time and dedication to the Society through various volunteer and leadership positions. We look forward to his continued leadership in furthering the important work of The ASCO Cancer Foundation at this critical time in its development.”
The ASCO Cancer Foundation works with ASCO to raise and distribute funds for programs that improve cancer care for patients and help to create an environment for prevention and cure. Since its inception, The ASCO Cancer Foundation Grants Program has awarded more than $40 million to beginning and mid-career research scientists. (For more on the 25th Anniversary of the ASCO Cancer Foundation Grants Program, see the article in yesterday’s issue of Section B of ASCO Daily News.)
“This is an exciting time in the field of clinical oncology as cancer research and treatments continue to progress, and we are helping to improve the lives of those living with cancer,” Dr. Bailes noted also in an interivew with ASCO News & Forum. “Working with The ASCO Cancer Foundation’s remarkable staff and Board of Directors is a wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to supporting continued advancement in the field of oncology in my new role as Chair.”
Dr. Bailes served on the ASCO Board of Directors in the mid-1990s, and was President of the Society from 1999 to 2000. He also has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee (1994-2001), the ad hoc Committee on Smoking (1992-1994), and the Task Force on Health Care Reform (1993-1996). During his 10 years as Chair of the Clinical Practice Committee, Dr. Bailes interacted with many regulatory agencies, members of Congress, and other oncology organizations on behalf of ASCO. For several years, he has been designated Co-Chair of the ASCO Government Relations Council, a position in which he continues to address a wide range of policy issues in oncology with members of Congress and the executive branch. He also spearheaded the creation of the ASCO State/Regional Affiliates Program, which is designed to enhance participation of community oncologists within all facets of the Society.
“It will be my privilege and pleasure to work with Dr. Bailes as our new Board Chair,” said Susan Braun, Executive Director of The ASCO Cancer Foundation in an ASCO News & Forum interview. “His experience working with ASCO, coupled with his vision and energy, will be crucial as The Foundation expands its reach in the world of cancer philanthropy.” (For more about Susan Braun and her role with The ASCO Cancer Foundation, see the article in the Monday issue of Section B of ASCO Daily News.)
