I'm looking for a good cancer research charity smaller than the ACS to do a benefit for, any suggestions?

Hi, the bass player in the band I'm in has a friend who is going through a bout with cancer and it inspired him to put together a benefit show. We're just not sure right now which foundation to donate to. He was thinking that he would like to go with something smaller than the American Cancer Society or ones of that size because it seems like it may be more impactful to a smaller organization (not that we have the ability to raise a ton of money, pretty small scale operation but all disclaimers aside).


So, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know this may seem kind of backwards, but we're just not sure who would be a good choice. Also, this is obviously our first run at doing something like this so if you know of any red tape involved (as opposed to just taking the money, getting a money order or check and shooting it out) any advice in that realm would be appreciated as well.


Thanks a lot.

I'm looking for a good cancer research charity smaller than the ACS to do a benefit for, any suggestions?
There are tons of charities. You might want to donate funds to childhood, adolescent or young adult cancers as research into these diseases are underfunded.





Childhood Cancer - CureSearch - dedicated to finding a cure for all childhood cancer. One child lost is too many.


http://www.curesearch.org/





Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Alliance - dedicated to all those suffering from rare form of cancer called sarcoma - predominately affects teens and young adults - well organized


alliance that also sponsors direct research for sarcoma patients:


http://www.liddyshriversarcomainitiative...





Or find out which type of cancer the friend has and donate to an organization specific to his disease.





I don't know the age of this patient, but other possibilities are to raise funds for a local Make A Wish (it takes about $5000 for each childs wish to be granted . . so you could have that as a goal). If he is older there is a Fairy Godmother organization that operates the same way for those over 21 years old.





Make a Wish


http://www.wish.org/





Fairy Godmother Foundation


http://www.fairygodmother.org/





And, a most excellent place for families to stay with children who have cancer is the Ronald McDonald Houses . . they are wonderful. We have stayed many times at these homes . . and I cannot even begin to tell you how convenient and comfortable they are . . less stress for sure. I'd find the local Ronald McDonald house and donate directly . . they always need things.





Ronald McDonald House Charities


http://www.rmhc.org





You can also donate directly to the local Cancer Clinics - perhaps to purchase laptop computers and internet access - they go a long way to keep a patient occupied while undergoing treatment.





Whatever you decide will be just fine. Thank you for doing this . . it means so much to the families and patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Cancer sucks and every bit of sunshine helps.
Reply:http://www.lungcancer.org/misc_pages/fs_...





I have to go with the cancer that's closest to my heart. I lost my father to lung cancer five years ago....





Aside from that, could you donate to a local cancer program at a hospital - to help a family with medical bills?? Imagine a family struggling to pay for chemo, and receiving a gift of a paid for treatment....





I love this question and that you want to do something like this. :)
Reply:It depends on what you want to do. For example, you could choose an organization that helps cancer survivors in your area (Team Survivor Northwest) or all over the world


(Gilda's Club). Or you could choose an organization that targets a specific cancer (Susan G Komen Foundation, breast cancer). Or you could choose to help a specific hospital or cancer center, maybe even the one where the friend is being treated.





Your question is great! Sometimes, if you are raising money for a specific entity, they have public relations people who are willing to work with you.





Good luck to you, your band and the friend with cancer!