Cancer Society, Hollywood Group Joining Forces

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two anti-cancer heavyweights, the American Cancer Society and Stand Up to Cancer, are joining forces in the battle against the disease that kills more than half a million people in the U.S. every year.

The partnership, which was to be announced Tuesday night at a gala for both groups' supporters, involves initial pledges of $10 million from each organization. The money is to be used to create a "dream team" of lung cancer researchers.

In targeting lung cancer for their first effort, the groups are going after the deadliest form of cancer in the U.S.

"We're honored to collaborate with the American Cancer Society on such a substantial project to fight lung cancer," said Lisa Paulsen, one of Stand Up To Cancer's founders, and president and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

The American Cancer Society, founded 100 years ago, is a worldwide organization that claims more than 3 million volunteer members.

Stand Up To Cancer is supported by numerous members of the entertainment industry. Since its founding five years ago, it has been noted for its success in raising funds for teams of independent researchers. Paulsen said the organization recently secured a $5 million pledge from Bristol Myers Squibb for lung cancer research.

John Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society, said his group believes the partnership will help raise funds more quickly and, by directing them to specific research teams, also advance the fight against cancer more quickly.

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