PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Behind every cancer patient are the caregivers who provide the day to day support to help them take on their diagnosis. Mastercard is honoring these caregivers as it kicks off its annual dine out campaign to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer. #StandUpForThem is a digitally driven effort to draw attention to this important role and how we can all be caregivers in our own way.
“There are currently more than 15.5 million people in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. For these people, it’s the support system around them - the neighbors, colleagues, friends and family - that gives them strength and motivation,” said Rusty Robertson, co-founder, Stand Up To Cancer. “What many don’t realize is that being a part of that support system can take many shapes and forms.”
Mastercard and Stand Up To Cancer have outlined a few simple ways you can support someone through their fight:
- DON’T OFFER HELP, BE HELP. It may be difficult, in the midst of medical treatment, for patients to be able to respond to general or open-ended offers to help. Identify something specific that can take a burden off of the patient and just do it. You can provide pet care or help with daily household needs like laundry or meal prep.
- TAKE CARE OF THE CAREGIVERS. Step in for the patient’s main caregiver to give them a break to care of themselves. Family members are much more likely to take a break knowing someone is there in their absence.
- PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION. Cancer care can involve a lot of transportation to and from treatment. If you are able, offer a ride to and from appointments.
- LET THEM KNOW YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT THEM. Patients are often too tired to talk on the phone but they still want to know you are thinking about them. Drop a short note or a postcard in the mail or send an email or text with a silly joke.
- TAKE THEM OUT FOR A MEAL. If they’re up for it, take the patient and their caregiver out for a meal. A change of scene and casual conversation can provide a reprieve from their fight.
“We believe in Stand Up To Cancer’s vision to help make everyone who is diagnosed with cancer a survivor having been a proud supporter since 2011,” said Andres Siefken, executive vice president, North America Marketing & Communications, Mastercard. “Through this year’s initiative we hope to call attention to the fact that there are many things, big and small, that we all can do to support cancer patients and their caregivers”
Mastercard is helping its cardholders’ actions go further by making a donation on their behalf when they dine out. From now through August 18, 2017, spend $10 or more on your Mastercard when paying for a meal at a qualifying U.S. restaurant, and Mastercard will make a one cent donation up to $4 Million to Stand Up To Cancer.
Share your story about a caregiver moment using #StandUpForThem.
Promotion ends on August 18, 2017, or when maximum $4 million donation goal is reached, whichever comes first. Qualifying purchases can only be made at a U.S. restaurant as defined by the applicable Mastercard Merchant Category Code. Debit PIN and International transactions ineligible. See terms at: priceless.com/standup.
About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.
Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.
For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.StandUpToCancer.org.
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