American Cancer Society of Illinois

We’re honored to fund groundbreaking investigators at the forefront of cancer research, like Xiaomin Bao, PhD, at Northwestern University.

“My American Cancer Society grant has spurred me to explore novel cancer concepts and emboldened me to venture into new territories within my lab.”

“I do not smoke and am an overall healthy wife and mom of three boys, so when I had a persistent cough that wouldn't subside, my background as a public health professional and patient advocate stepped in. After multiple doctor visits, a CT scan, and bronchoscopy that spanned two months, I was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. One surgery and 30 rounds of radiation later, I am currently in remission.

I’m thankful to the American Cancer Society for providing lodging to those like me who must get treatment out of state; knowledgeable and resourceful staff to give guidance throughout the cancer journey; and for their dedication to those diagnosed and their care partners to ensure equitable access, early diagnosis, and treatment for all.” - Monique

Our goal is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and cancer-free, so we’re incredibly grateful for our supporters who make that happen. 💙 Donate today to continue giving people in our communities a chance to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer: donate.cancer.org/?campaign=norregion

Vote for the American Cancer Society 🤗

📬 If you’ve ever donated to the American Cancer Society, this heart-warming letter is for you! Thank you for helping us lighten the load for like Eva.

Donate today in honor of so we can continue supporting families on their cancer journey: donate.cancer.org/?campaign=norregion&lang=en&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=NORmarch&utm_content=photo&fbclid=IwAR1CpP6o0p-Ri334fC-ao0x_e3-KXT3RNJYd7G7UphnjyJ_pQSLxlDoKhIA

What's something our Chicago Select Golf Online Auction and Taylor Swift both have in common? We never go out of style 💁‍♀️

NOW is your chance to place your bid on several top-tier experiences and packages that will far surpass your Wildest Dreams 😉

We're talkin' a getaway to Cabo San Lucas, a day of golf with John Daley, and even a trip to Paris to attend The Eras Tour with TSwift herself!

PLACE YOUR BID HERE: chicagoselect.org

By participating in our online auction, you’ll be giving millions of individuals a gift of time through cancer research this holiday season.

Auction closes December 4th at 10am CST. Happy Bidding!

🚘 We’re driving cancer out and we want your help! Become a Road To Recovery volunteer by visiting cancer.org/drive. ​

“I love meeting each new patient that I transport. Everyone is so appreciative. Plus, I have learned so much about people and even about my city since many of the patients I drive are long-time residents and have a lot of interesting trivia to share.” – Jenna Hsieh, right

🗳️ Have 5 seconds? Cast your vote for the American Cancer Society in the LKQ Corporation Cares Holiday Vote Campaign 💙✨

VOTE HERE➡ bit.ly/ACS_LKQ ⬅

Your daily vote until December 8th could help us secure a share of the $1,000,000 donation from the LKQ Community Foundation to support ending cancer as we know it, for everyone!

“Our Relay For Life staff partner shared the need for Road To Recovery drivers and I decided to sign up since, as a teacher, I have time over summer and during school breaks. I saw how many appointments my own family members had when going through treatment and knew that a small part of my time could make a huge difference in someone’s cancer journey. My favorite memories have been the complete gratitude from patients, who have said, ‘I don’t know what I would have done for this appointment if it wasn’t for you.’ It’s one of the most gratifying volunteering experiences I have done.” – Nicole Macko​

⏰ Your time can save lives! Sign up to volunteer with Road To Recovery today: cancer.org/drive

📣 Calling all sports super fans! Support our mission by shooting your shot for a massive selection of top-tier experiences.

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The Coaches vs. Cancer Experience Auction is NOW OPEN! ➡️ cvcexperienceauction.org

Bid on exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences in college basketball, golf, football and more – all while supporting the American Cancer Society mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

“At 49 years old, my husband, Rob, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Treatment was intense and vigorous. We went in every 2 weeks and got the kitchen sink thrown at him. 6+ hours in a chemo bay. He was a rock star. Rob had a resilient, positive, humorous attitude that I am still in awe of. He fought hard and experienced many beautiful months in remission.

The highs in Rob’s cancer journey were often dictated by scan results. When we received news, the tumor had shrunk or there had been no growth, we were both joyful. The opposite news brought us lows. On the very lowest day, Dr. Perez told us there was nothing else they could do for Rob. He was no longer responding, the cancer was growing, and it was time for us to go home.

Our priest traveled for hours to give Rob his last rites. We felt God's presence and Father Nate was so beautiful in his delivery. But of course, there was also deep sadness knowing God would take Rob soon. He died 2 years and 5 months after diagnosis. He was 51.

As a , my personal lows were the exhaustion, emotional pain, and truly not knowing if I was ‘doing it right.’ As a mother, the heartache I felt (and still feel) with our 3 children is my greatest pain. It's difficult to find the appropriate words.

My message for you is to . Don't wait. I understand it can be scary, but the fear of finding out you have cancer and CAN be treated is far less horrific than the fear of discovering you are inoperable and incurable; the fear of not knowing when you will take your last breath.” – Christi

Christi, your ability to turn your pain into purpose is truly awe-inspiring. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for trusting us to share Rob’s story and for everything you do to support our mission. 💙

We’re not afraid to brag about our proven track record of identifying and investing in promising researchers. Lillian Eichner, PhD, a brilliant researcher at Northwestern University and one of our own ResearcHERS, began her career with funding from one of our grants, and we continue to support her work to this day! ​

“For me, it all started with the American Cancer Society (ACS): my post-doctoral training was supported by ACS, and now my independent lab has successfully launched on support from ACS.”​

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“My wife, Kim, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She went through treatment and was in remission until 2015 when it returned in an untreatable form. She passed away that year. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2012, had surgery to remove part of my right kidney, and have been cancer free ever since. I know transportation is a big issue for cancer patients who often have multiple doctor and radiation appointments every week. Road To Recovery takes a little bit of that load off the patients and their families. Last year, the family of a man I gave several rides to gave me a St. Christopher's medal to keep in my car. It helps keep me and the clients I transport safe on the road.” – Paul Haines

🚙 Provide rides, offer hope, and make a lasting impact by becoming a Road To Recovery volunteer today: cancer.org/drive

Brilliance in action 🙌

currently has one of the lowest survival rates. Paolo Provenzano, PhD, at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is working to change that. Thanks to an impressive background in engineering and cancer biology, Dr. Provenzano’s research focuses on re-engineering the environment around cancerous cells so they’re more receptive to cancer treatment. ​

"My first recollection of volunteering with the American Cancer Society (ACS) was when I lost my father to in 2004. My family had a Relay For Life team and we stayed up all night walking the track in his memory. We camped there and my young children made luminaria bags for their grandfather. It was a tearful night, but one that brought peace as our family celebrated his life and shared memories with so many other families. It really brought home what an impact ACS makes in the battle against cancer. That memory and those feelings will stay with me throughout my life.“ – Wendy

It’s our tremendous honor to have played a role in your family’s time of healing, Wendy. Thank you for sharing your story, and for all you do to further our mission! 💙

We’re excited to spotlight the fascinating work of Sayeepriyadarshini (Sayee) Anakk, PhD, at the Cancer Center at Illinois during Awareness Month:

“We know that men are more prone to getting liver cancer than women. So, how do female livers resist cancer development? Is it in the genes? Hormone signals? The way the liver breaks down nutrients and toxic compounds? By studying these processes, we hope to learn how the female liver functions and discover how some of these functions are helpful to fight cancer.”

Dr. Anakk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, and a member of the Cancer Center at Illinois at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

🚨 Attention Chicagoland food enthusiasts! Just 48 hours left until the mouthwatering extravaganza at Taste of Hope! In two days, 30+ top chefs will serve gourmet delights at Navy Pier. Don't risk missing out on this epic culinary event. Grab your tickets now and join the foodie frenzy! 🍴🥂🎟️ https://e.givesmart.com/events/uNE/?isOrderFormActive=true

Taste of Hope's 10th anniversary event promises a night of culinary delights and cancer support The Cancer Society is gearing up for its 10th annual fundraising event, Taste of Hope, set to take place at Navy Pier on November 2nd.

“My life was touched by cancer when it targeted my beloved grandma. She survived two types: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lung cancer. Even though she survived both forms, it affected our family's overall well-being and was a reality check for the uncertainty of life's timeline. I decided to volunteer for the Road To Recovery program because I wanted to alleviate some stress for the patients, so they do not have to worry about finding a ride to their appointments. As a Christian, we are called to serve one another, and I am blessed with this opportunity to help others get a complimentary ride to their appointments. As one scripture states, ‘It's more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Jacqueline Jadidian (middle)​

Volunteer with Road To Recovery and be the helping hand people with cancer need. 🤝 Visit cancer.org/drive to sign up.

“I am 1 of 5 girl friends who met while working at a bakery over 40 years ago. Two of us are breast cancer survivors. I started this project of handmade knit or crocheted pink headbands in honor of my friends, Diane and Natalie. My goal was to collect 400 headbands in shades of pink to gift survivors and thrivers at the Making Strides walks in the Chicago area. I reached out to family, friends, yarn stores, knitting and crocheting circles, and churches. The response was OVERWHELMING! We have collected 872 beautiful, unique headbands and each one was made with love for our heroes in pink.” – Trudi | Des Plaines, IL

We’re in awe of this beautiful act of support, Trudi! Thank you for all you do to ensure our survivors and thrivers feel the love. 💕

Rev up your engines 🚗🚗🚗Share this post to your feed with and will contribute $5 to the American Cancer Society. It’s that easy!

In honor of nearly 300,000 U.S. women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and millions more breast cancer survivors around the world, we thank you for giving us hope, Dr. Humphries.

We’re incredibly proud to invest in researchers whose passion and purpose runs deep. For Dr. Brock Humphries, a brilliant researcher at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, the driving force behind his work is his grandmother.

“I do what I do so that other people don’t have to suffer the loss of loved ones from cancer.”

💓 Turn your compassion into action! Visit cancer.org/drive to become a Road To Recovery volunteer today. ​

“I absolutely love volunteering for Road To Recovery. The cancer patients I drive are so kind, appreciative, and just relieved to have help. I am blessed to listen to their stories, give love and support, and get them safely to their appointments. I have become good friends with two of my patients because I drove them so regularly. My favorite memory is driving a patient, now a friend, to her final radiation treatment. She rang the cancer bell, and I videotaped that experience with her mom. The bond is so meaningful and real.” – Becky Kaske-Johnson

“I Make Strides because I am living proof that this disease can strike anyone, even without prior history, symptoms, or a detectable lump. In 2022, I faced the unimaginable and emerged as a survivor, driven by the strength and support of my husband, friends and loved ones. Now, I Make Strides to raise awareness, and to remind everyone that early detection and research are our most powerful weapons against breast cancer. My journey has taught me that every step we take in this fight brings us closer to a world where no one has to endure what I did. Together, we Make Strides for a brighter, cancer-free future.” ​

💖 Join our Making Strides of Chicago community to celebrate the courage and strength of people impacted by breast cancer, like Lucie: facebook.com/groups/MSABCChicagoIL/​

Not in Chicago? Not a problem! Join a Making Strides community near you: facebook.com/AmericanCancerSocietyIllinois/Groups

Researchers like Dr. Huguet bring us one step closer to creating a world where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. 🌎💙

Meet Nathalie Huguet, PhD, a researcher in the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Family Medicine department and a member of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Dr. Huguet was raised in France and, after moving to the United States, was surprised by the difficulties she faced in accessing healthcare. Now, her work focuses on the importance of making health insurance more accessible.

“Health insurance pays for tests to find cancer, yet many Hispanic/Latino people do not have health insurance, which makes it hard to get these tests. One reason is because some Hispanic/Latino people are not U.S. citizens. Our project looks at what happens after non-citizens are able to attain health insurance.”

🥂 Calling all Chicagoland foodies! 🥂 It's time to sip, sample, and support a great cause at Taste of Hope! Indulge in mouthwatering cuisine and gourmet craft cocktails from 30+ award-winning chefs on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Navy Pier. Tickets won't last long! Buy yours today:

🎟️ https://e.givesmart.com/events/uNE/?isOrderFormActive=true

Sebastian was one of five undergrads who took part in our Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Internship Program at The University of Chicago. Hear in Sebastian’s own words what inspires him to push for an equal and equitable cancer research environment:​

“The inequalities and injustices I've experienced in my life motivate me to strive for a fair and equal cancer research environment for all. By challenging the status quo and promoting inclusivity, I believe everyone will experience greater outcomes and moments in life.”

Este Mes de la Herencia Hispana, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de garantizar que cada individuo Hispano tenga acceso a atención médica de calidad. Juntos con Bank of America, American Heart Association, y American Diabetes Association, el American Cancer Society está trabajando para eliminar las disparidades de salud a través de la Colaboración para una Salud Equitativa. Al escuchar y amplificar las voces de la comunidad, colaborar en soluciones locales y canalizar recursos a organizaciones sin fines de lucro y clínicas que atienden a poblaciones Hispanas-Latinas, estamos ayudando a crear un futuro equitativo para todos.

Aprende más sobre la Colaboración para Salud Equitativa en
https://colaboracionparaunasaludequitativa.org
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This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're reaffirming our commitment to ensuring every Hispanic-Latino individual has access to quality health care. Together with Bank of America, American Heart Association, and American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society is working to eliminate health disparities through the Collaboration for Equitable Health. By listening to and amplifying community voices, collaborating on local solutions and channeling resources to nonprofits and clinics serving Hispanic/Latino populations, we’re helping create an equitable future for all.

Learn more about the Collaboration for Equitable Health at https://colaboracionparaunasaludequitativa.org

making a difference together. Partners like help make a difference in the lives of cancer patients & their families. Join in! Share or reshare a message in your feed with and will contribute $5 (up to $170,000) to the American Cancer Society. Together, we can make a difference!

the incredible Men Wear Pink candidates who are helping us save more lives from breast cancer! Thanks for sharing Chris Petlak 🤗💗

Men of “The Mix” Wear Pink To Raise Money In The Fight Against Breast Cancer Men Wear Pink is a nationwide initiative to raise money in the fight against breast cancer with The American Cancer Society. Telling us about this year’s campaign is the co-chair of the Illin…

“My mom lost her fight against stage 4 lung cancer in December 2011. Shortly after that, I became a Road To Recovery driver. I wanted to help offset the burden on families in similar situations. I love that the program is flexible, and I can pick up rides that work with my schedule. Sometimes I can only drive the patient one way, but it makes me happy knowing they can get the care they need. Each patient is so grateful for the ride, and that always makes me smile! It is truly a blessing to be a driver for the American Cancer Society.” – Eileen Conneely, Chicago

🚗 Let’s drive out cancer together! Join us by becoming a Road To Recovery volunteer today: cancer.org/drive

We would like to thank Jewel-Osco for all their support this October! 💗

This support allows us help fund the future of breast cancer, where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease.

Shoutout to these young investigators who took part in our Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Internship Program at the University of Illinois Chicago! Learn more about DICR, which increases the awareness of opportunities in cancer research for under-represented minority college students: cancer.org/research/acs-center-for-diversity-in-cancer-research-training/diversity-in-cancer-research-dicr-internship.html

“I Make Strides because my breast cancer was caught early thanks to a mammogram, and through a very strong action plan (with 18 rounds of radiation), I kicked cancer to the curb! My journey lasted 110 days. I will always shout out for women to get mammograms; they saved my life!”​

Why are we Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? Because of stories like Joan’s! 💖 Join the nation's #1 breast cancer movement right here in our Lake County community: facebook.com/groups/MSABCLakeCountyIL ​​

Not in Lake County? Not a problem! Join a Making Strides community near you: facebook.com/AmericanCancerSocietyIllinois/Groups

making a difference in ending breast cancer as we know it! With one tap, you can help! This October, share or reshare a post with and will contribute $5 to the American Cancer Society.

“I began getting tested for prostate cancer at the age of 45. I had put off my doctor’s suggestion to start testing for 5 years because of stigma and misinformation. If I had cancer, I didn’t want to know. 4 years later, I was informed my PSA number had gone from .0 to 2.5, and several months after that, it jumped to 8.9. My doctor referred me to a urologist. I didn’t have any symptoms of prostate cancer. I remember the day the call came, on April 17, 2019, a month before my 50th birthday. ‘You tested positive for cancer in 4 of your 8 samples.’ It felt like I had been hit with a bag full of bricks. Every word after was like a parent on a Charlie Brown special. So many emotions. First fear, then rage, and then a calm due to my faith. Today, I’m thankfully 3 years in remission. It has given me a new focus and a new respect for the life I have. God kept me here for a purpose. I’m grateful for His grace and mercy over my life. I accept my responsibility to get the word out about prostate cancer.”

We’re so grateful to James for bringing awareness to the importance of prostate cancer screening. Should you get screened for prostate cancer? Find our guidance here: cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html

Be a beacon of hope for people with cancer! 🌟 Visit cancer.org/drive to become a Road To Recovery volunteer.​

“Road To Recovery is an easy way to ‘give back’ on my own terms. The system used to connect with patients, schedule rides, and communicate with ACS is very simple, and the best part is how appreciated you feel after a simple ride around town. I highly recommend becoming a driver.” – Bruce Erickson

We are the movement.
We are the hope.
We are the future.

🎗️ Be part of YOUR breast cancer-fighting community by joining today: facebook.com/AmericanCancerSocietyIllinois/groups