American Cancer Society National Capital Area

06/24/2025

A big thank you to our friends at La Roche-Posay, a leading advocate for skin health including quality of life during cancer treatment, for becoming the Official Skincare Partner of our Hope Lodge Communities.

06/17/2025

With logistical help from our friends at Umoja Health, volunteers from Capital One in New York, Virginia, and Texas assembled 576 Cancer Care Kits containing items such as blankets, hand sanitizer, water bottles, and phone chargers that will be delivered to cancer patients at our Hope Lodge Communities in New York, Baltimore, and Houston, as well as three cancer resource centers in Richmond, Virginia.

Many thanks to all for coming together to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone!

06/13/2025

“I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in August 2022,” stated cancer survivor Brandon Swain. “It was incredibly hard. I remember getting in my car. I remember calling my mom. I remember having to pull over.”

Our mission is to engage marginalized populations to shape patient support policies, programs, and services while addressing barriers to quality preventive care, screening, cancer treatment, and survivorship.

“Thanks to the American Cancer Society and early detection, I’m here,” Brandon noted.

Learn more at cancer.org/healthequity.

06/12/2025

You might recall us posting about Tracy Stephens last summer who, at the age of 71, set out to bike around the perimeter of the country in order to raise awareness of and money to support our Hope Lodge Communities. Well, fast forward to last week, Tracy has completed his 13,250-mile journey and raised $15,000 in the process.

Thank you, Tracy, for proving that not all heroes wear capes.

And, Thank you, WIVT WBGH NewsChannel 34 for sharing this great story of his adventure -

A Town of Chenango man is back home after circumnavigating the continental United States on a bicycle to raise money and awareness for a cause close to his heart.

06/09/2025

“ACS and Relay For Life - we’re open to everybody. And that’s usually how the LGBTQ+ community is also,” commented cancer survivor Nikki Guseman. “We accept everybody. We allow everyone in, and we have a good time.”

The American Cancer Society believes all people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from cancer regardless of how much money they make, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or where they live.

She added, “The community support system is great. They just accept all of us.”

Learn more at cancer.org/healthequity.

06/06/2025

“Being diagnosed with cancer definitely opened my eyes to life,” noted cancer survivor Gary Norselli. “It kind of forced me to take a step back… it allowed me to appreciate the smaller details.”

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. Many barriers can impact a person's ability to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. They are complex and have many social, economic, and cultural influences that intertwine and impact each other.

As a dedicated American Cancer Society volunteer and a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, Gary understand the barriers that exist and – through his volunteer service – works to break down those barriers and bring the community together to support one another in striving to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Learn more at cancer.org/healthequity.

06/02/2025

“It’s almost like choosing that moment to come out again,” commented Chris Falzarano, when describing an interaction he had with a doctor.

Le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, q***r (LGBTQ+) people have a higher risk of cancer than heterosexual and cisgender people. Many LGBTQ+ people face barriers to cancer screening, such as access to health care or fear of provider discrimination. This has led to lower screening rates, higher cancer risk, and worse outcomes in LGBTQ+ people.

“Putting your own health first is such a priority,” Chris continued. “Your health is non-negotiable. You need to prioritize yourself, prioritize your health for both yourself and your loved ones.”

Learn more at cancer.org/healthequity.

05/30/2025

In about 5 mins, you can learn how to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Did you know:

• At least 40% of cancer cases are linked to modifiable risk factors.
• 1 in 10 cancer cases are caused by genetic mutations passed down within a family.
• Daily life, family and screening history are key factors that could impact your cancer risk.

To get insights into your risk of getting cancer, take ACS CancerRisk360TM, a personalized cancer risk assessment at acscancerrisk360.cancer.org. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it could help save your life.

05/29/2025

Thank you to our friends at MileOne Autogroup Subaru Dealerships in the Greater Baltimore/DC area who, through the Subaru Share the Love Promise, recently raised more than $105,000 to support the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program, which provides free rides for cancer patients to and from their medical appointments. Thank you Herb Gordon Subaru, Heritage Subaru Owings Mills, and Heritage Subaru Catonsville for helping us to end cancer as we know it, for everyone!

05/23/2025

This weekend marks the “official start” of summer. As you pull together your plans for some fun in the sun, be sure to protect yourself from too much ultraviolet light exposure:

🌴 Seek shade during peak sun hours.
🕶️ Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
🧴 Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Learn more by visiting cancer.org/sunsafety.

05/19/2025

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities offer a home away from home for people facing cancer and their caregivers when cancer treatment is far away. ACS operates 31 Lodges throughout the United States, seven of which - like our Boston one shown in this video - are located here in the Northeast. Learn more at cancer.org/hopelodge.