American Cancer Society Finds New Ways To Raise Funds During Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 has made the fight against cancer even tougher, not only in hospitals, but financially as well.

The American Cancer Society estimates the pandemic has cost them millions of dollars nationwide.

All in-person fundraising events, like Relay for Life, have been suspended through mid-May.

“It has been a transition and learning curve for all of us,” said Lesa Foster, the executive director of the Oklahoma ACS chapter.

The product of that transition will be seen here locally next month.

From May 18 through 25, anyone can participate in a virtual Run for Hope, where all you have to do is run whatever distance you want. Heck, you don’t even have to be awake to raise money.

All of the net proceeds from the event will go toward the building of a lodging facility for cancer patients in Oklahoma City.

“While it has been a hindrance, it has also opened up our world outside of just our event space,” Foster said.

The ACS has also suspended their ride service, where they give cancer patients in Oklahoma free rides to doctor appointments and treatments.

But they do want to remind people that their 24/7 cancer support hotline is still available, and they’ve expanded that service to include video calls for people who are feeling isolated during these times.