The Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control
announces
High Ground for Cancer Patients
a special initiative to help Iowa cancer patients impacted by the severe weather
A Collaboration of the American Cancer Society, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Lance Armstrong Foundation
DES MOINES, Iowa – June 23, 2008 – In response to the devastating floods and tornadoes that have swept through Iowa, five organizations dedicated to fighting cancer have established High Ground for Cancer Patients —a special initiative to help cancer patients and their loved ones living in any officially declared federal disaster county in Iowa.
The Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control is working with the American Cancer Society, the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Lance Armstrong Foundation to provide housing, transportation and medical assistance to cancer patients currently receiving treatment.
“Having cancer is hard. But having to deal with the devastating and disruptive effects of these natural disasters on top of it is more than cancer patients and their families should be expected to handle alone,” said George Weiner, MD, Chair, Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control and Director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa.
“These organizations expressed a great desire to support cancer patients who have experienced additional hardship inflicted by flood and tornado damage and immediately took action to provide the services they need now more than ever,” said Weiner.
This cancer relief initiative was established for cancer patients currently receiving treatment and living in Iowa counties that have been designated a federal disaster area. Assistance of up to $1000 is available and is intended to ease the burden of increased transportation, lodging, or other unexpected expenses due to severe storms and flooding.
For information or to learn more about the support available through this effort, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Cancer information specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control
The Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control (ICCCC) was formed in 2001 to coordinate the efforts of those fighting cancer in Iowa. The Consortium consists of more than 100 individuals representing 50 agencies and organizations across the state. The ICCCC is a collaboration through which resources are pooled to reduce the burden of cancer that results in risk reduction, early detection, better treatment, and enhanced quality of life for cancer survivors. For more information on the ICCCC please visit www.canceriowa.org.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913, and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information visit www.cancer.org
About the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa's only National Cancer Institute ( NCI )-designated comprehensive cancer center. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized as the leaders in developing new approaches to cancer prevention and cancer care, conducting leading edge research and educating the public about cancer. For more information visit www.uihealthcare.com/depts/cancercenter.
About the Iowa Department of Public Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is committed to protecting and promoting the health of all Iowans. IDPH views health as a critical component of Iowa's future - healthy kids are ready to learn; healthy adults are ready to work; and healthy communities are ready to grow. IDPH strives to improve the quality of the life for all Iowans by: preventing epidemics and the spread of disease; protecting against environmental hazards; preventing injuries; promoting and encouraging healthy behaviors and mental health; preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and assisting communities in recovery; and assuring the quality and accessibility of health services. For more information visit www.idph.state.ia.us.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gap between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer, and investing in needed research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong | 
