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Addressing human needs, as well as medical needs.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices.

Cancer can be a difficult journey, but finding help should not be. The American Cancer Society makes an effort to address your “human” needs, and not just your medical ones. The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge wants to ease the financial and emotional burden of those who are away from home while seeking medical help. The Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham is a place where patients and their caregivers can stay at no cost.

Learn more about ACS, what we do, and our plans for the future by exploring our website.

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Maggie Jordan, Anniston, AL

“Hope Lodge is a complete blessing to me and everyone who stays here. I came to the Lodge by myself, and I have made friends who I can eat with, pray with, hurt with and heal with.”

Priscilla Taylor

“I could not get over the fact that there was a volunteer to drive me to and from treatment everyday, and on top of that they even drove me to pick up my prescriptions or the grocery store. I feel that I have another family that I plan to come back and visit.”

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong of Columbiana always participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.  Each year, he was one of dozens in his community to raise money for cancer research, and honor and remember the lives of cancer patients. Last fall, Scott became one of those patients.  Doctors diagnosed him with leukemia.  He was in remission shortly after treatment. At this year’s Relay for Life, he could now celebrate his fight against cancer, alongside others who were taking time out to support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

 "Seeing those people walk meant more to me this year," said Armstrong. "I could relate to all of the other survivors.  It was easier to talk to them, and talk about my experience." Scott was acknowledged for his spirit at this year’s Life Inspiration Awards, presented by the American Cancer Society.

Maggie Jordan, Anniston, AL

“Hope Lodge is a complete blessing to me and everyone who stays here. I came to the Lodge by myself, and I have made friends who I can eat with, pray with, hurt with and heal with.”

Priscilla Taylor

“I could not get over the fact that there was a volunteer to drive me to and from treatment everyday, and on top of that they even drove me to pick up my prescriptions or the grocery store. I feel that I have another family that I plan to come back and visit.”

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong of Columbiana always participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.  Each year, he was one of dozens in his community to raise money for cancer research, and honor and remember the lives of cancer patients. Last fall, Scott became one of those patients.  Doctors diagnosed him with leukemia.  He was in remission shortly after treatment. At this year’s Relay for Life, he could now celebrate his fight against cancer, alongside others who were taking time out to support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

 "Seeing those people walk meant more to me this year," said Armstrong. "I could relate to all of the other survivors.  It was easier to talk to them, and talk about my experience." Scott was acknowledged for his spirit at this year’s Life Inspiration Awards, presented by the American Cancer Society.

Events in August and September 2007

Life Inspiration Awards - August 2nd at 6:30pm at The Club.  Cancer survivors and caregivers will be honored for their courage during a ceremony that includes a speech by former Major Leaguer and cancer survivor Dave Dravecky.  For more information, call 205-918-3223.

Junior Executive Board Beat the Odds Gala - August 10th at 8pm at Workplay.  Come join the JEB as they raise money to beat cancer, in a casino like atmosphere.  Games, food, folks and fun!  $60 a person, $100 for a couple.  For more information, call 205-930-8872.

American Cancer Society's Extravaganza 2007 - August 25th at Cahaba Grand Conference Center.  Honoree is Dr. Edward Partridge, an American Cancer Society volunteer and director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Tickets are $300 a couple.  Call 930-8867 for more information.

 

American Cancer Society Programs & Services

Look Good...Feel Better is a program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment by teaching them beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image.  Look Good...Feel Better classes are offered at many Birmingham hospitals and at the American Cancer Society building in Birmingham.

Man to Man is a prostate cancer education and support group that offers education, discussion and support to men with the disease.  Sessions are held at many Birmingham hospitals and clinics.

TOUCH stands for Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope.  It's a support program for cancer patients, their families and friends to help them better understand and cope with cancer.  Sessions are held at many Birmingham hospitals and clinics.

The Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham is a no cost residential lodging facility for cancer patients (and their caregivers) receiving cancer treatment at Birmingham hospitals.

Sister Survivors is a support group for African American women who are surviving breast cancer.  Regular meetings are held at the American Cancer Society building in Birmingham.

Reach to Recovery is a volunteer visitation program that matches breast cancer survivors with someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Gift items including wigs, laryngectomy bibs, breast prosthesis and prosthetic bras are just some of the items available free of charge to cancer patients. 

Cancer Survivors Network is a virtual community created by and for cancer survivors to connect with one another, share experiences and provide support.  It is available 24 hours a day!

Great American Health Check

The new year is a great time to get healthier!  Start with the American Cancer Society's Great American Health Check.  It's a on-line tool to assess your cancer risk, and a way to learn how to reduce that risk through healthy habits.

Find out more by logging onto www.cancer.org/greatamericans or by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.