Where the Money Goes…
The CT Challenge mission is to empower cancer survivors to take control of their health by offering exercise, nutrition, mind-‐body health and community-‐building support programs to all impacted by cancer, filling a hole in the healthcare system to help survivors lead longer, stronger, happier lives.
84% of every dollar spent is directed toward program services
Filling a hole… • Today, there are an estimated 14 million
cancer survivors in the US. These friends, family members, and neighbors have unique health conditions which are not addressed by current medical care.
• Most survivors go through intense treatments using toxic drugs and/or radiation which can have lifelong effects; the most common side effects include pain, depression and fatigue.
• Oncologists and other medical staff are not trained to focus on patients after treatment, nor are they reimbursed for the time.
• Nationwide, the majority of hospitals that treat cancer patients do not have a wellness program to support them post-‐treatment.
• Scientific and clinical evidence show that improving diet, exercise and overall wellness improves quality of life and reduces cancer recurrence, but many survivors need information and support to affect these changes.
Helping survivors #riseup through: • The Center for Survivorship, a cutting edge
wellness center and incubator of best practices
• Community Outreach including exercise, training and yoga workshops and classes offered in local communities
• College scholarships for young cancer survivors
• Summer camp experience for childhood cancer survivors
• Experiential adventure retreats for young adult survivors
• Speaker Series: educational, cultural and awareness-‐raising events
• Innovative website: educating, motivating and guiding cancer survivors to reclaim their lives through healthy, empowered choices. Visited by people in 50 states and 80 countries
• Pilot research projects • Educating nursing students about how to
help survivors post acute care • Mobile mammography services in
underserved areas