ASTRO Accepting Survivor Circle Grant Applications

FAIRFAX, Va., June 29, 2009 — The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is now accepting applications for Survivor Circle grants, which are awarded to non-disease site specific cancer support organizations located in the state that ASTRO holds its Annual Meeting. ASTRO's Annual Meeting is in Chicago this year.

The emphasis of this initiative is to provide cancer support organizations with the funding to assist in continuing, growing or creating programs to help cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families from diagnosis through survivorship. A dedicated effort to reach all demographics of cancer patients in the city/state where the organization is located will be a key component considered in the review process. An emphasis on helping patients receiving radiation therapy is preferred, but not required.

"ASTRO is always eager to help patient organizations because they provide a lot of the support that physicians aren't able to provide," Laura Thevenot, ASTRO's CEO, said. "Through this program we hope to give back to the community in which we've chosen to hold our Annual Meeting and provide much needed funds to help the cancer patients that our physicians work so hard to cure."

Two grants will be awarded in amounts of up to $10,000; they can be used for local transportation and other support needs, supplies necessary for cancer support group meetings, welcome kits for new patients/ families seeking assistance, and/or financial assistance for patients needing help with transportation or co-payments.

Grant applications are reviewed by a panel of physicians and nurses in the cities where the meeting is held each year and final approval will be determined by the ASTRO Board of Directors. The grant money will be awarded following the ASTRO Annual Meeting.

Applications must be received by August 8, 2009. For more information and to access the grant application, visit www.astro.org/Patients/SurvivorCircle/HowToParticipate.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. For more information on radiation therapy, visit www.rtanswers.org. To learn more about ASTRO, visit www.astro.org.