Community Corner
Meet The American Cancer Society Long Island Chapter, Helping People With Cancer
The local chapter helps Long Islanders fighting cancer through advocacy, research, patient support, and helping people survive.
LONG ISLAND, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.
Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.
Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.
What is your name?
Katie Goepfrich Schafer
What is the name of your charity?
American Cancer Society
What is your position within your charity?
Executive Director
What community is your organization based in
Long Island
Link to your website
What is your mission?
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.
The American Cancer Society does its greatest work not only at a National and Global level but also within the communities in which we serve, like but not limited to Long Island. We are the only non-profit organization that supports people with ALL types of cancers through advocacy, research, and patient support. We do this by working with our partners to advocate for access to care for all through our sister organization ACS CAN, Educate and advocate for healthy lifestyles and living environments as well as regular screening. We provide direct patient support through our free transportation program, free lodging programs and our 24/7 helpline.
What inspired you to start your charity?
N/A
How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?
Anyone at any age can get involved. From walking at a Relay For Life or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, joining a planning committee, volunteering time to drive patients to and from their doctors appointments, support our many other programs, I encourage everyone to reach out.
What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?
Although I didn't start this organization, I'd say my most memorable moment has been continuous. I am watching as the cancer landscape has evolved over the years, as new discoveries continue to be available, as well as changes in guidelines allowing for every person to detect cancers earlier.
What else would you like people to know about your charity?
The American Cancer Society is doing its best work in our local communities.
What are your organization's social media pages or handles?
FB: @msabcLI; IG: @cancernynj
Do you help run a charity?
Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.
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