‘Together We Answer Cancer’ campaign raises awareness, funds for cancer research, patients and families

Together We Answer Cancer banner

The University of Chicago Medicine is partnering with the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation and key media outlets in a multifaceted cause-marketing campaign to support the American Cancer Society's mission to free the world from the disease by raising funds for research and helping patients and their families.

Under the Together We Answer Cancer campaign, UChicago Medicine will feature patient stories and highlight the latest advances in cancer care, treatment and research through media partners the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, ABC7 Chicago, iHeartRadio and Hubbard Radio. Proceeds from the campaign, which runs through mid-November, will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Together We Answer Cancer kicked off in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, September 8, with a special wraparound section featuring a story and video about all-star first baseman Anthony Rizzo and UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital patient Anthony Bendy. The two men have a special connection because they were both treated for Hodgkin lymphoma at about the same age.

Rizzo was diagnosed at age 18 in 2008. The cancer went into remission, and Rizzo was able to pursue his baseball career. He established the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012 to raise money for cancer research and help families during a difficult time.

Bendy learned he had cancer in 2016, when he was 19. He completed three years of treatment, including a stem cell transplant and targeted immunotherapy, in June 2019.

During their journey to cancer survivorship, Rizzo and Bendy both drew strength from togetherness and teamwork — the support of family and friends, the care provided by their medical team and the work of scientists searching for answers that unlock new treatments and cures for all types of cancer.

Similar stories will be told in the Sun-Times and on ABC7 Chicago as well as iHeartRadio's and Hubbard Radio's Chicago stations. As part of the campaign, the public is being encouraged to:

  • Register in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Soldier Field on Saturday, October 19, or any of the other Chicagoland events in October.
  • Donate to cancer research and education.
  • Share their cancer-related stories on social media by using the hashtag #answercancer.

To read or view Together We Answer Cancer stories, visit uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/answercancer.

Medical oncologist Sonali Smith, MD, and lymphoma patient Clayton Harris

UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

UChicago Medicine is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, the most prestigious recognition possible for a cancer institution. We have more than 200 physicians and scientists dedicated to defeating cancer.

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