Here's a new page on RelayForLife.org that helps to answer this question:

http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/node/3839

Here's how I like to answer the question about how the money is used. As a 15 year breast cancer survivor, when I was diagnosed, I often had trouble sleeping...middle of the night wakeups with my head spinning with questions/concerns/fears. I turned on the TV and watched mindless shows...today - i could call 800-227-2345 and speak to a real person at the Amercian Cancer Society for info or comfort . Closer to home, as a Reach to Recovery volunteer (breast cancer survivors trained to meet with newly diagnosed patients), I get to see or hear the relief when I tell a woman that its been 15 years or she receives a booklet on chemo telling her in simple to understand, thorough detail what to expect...these are just a few examples of how the money reaches into our communities. Nationally, the money benefits our community in ways we don't often think about. When research brings about an advance in treatment or detection...that's local. When legislation makes sure that no one is left without the option of screenings resulting in more early detection (and lower costs of treatment) - that's local too.

Hoping this gives you a better sense of how to talk about the local impact. If you have a local office, stop by and see all the info & services they have. If not, check out the website (as though you were the one needing info for a loved one) and see what's available.  and yay to you for wanting to be a good ACS advocate.

Here's how the dollars are allocated (from a few years ago...doesn't vary much from year to year) -

Research grants and programs                   15%

Financial support to academic and scientific institutions to seek knowledge on the causes, prevention and cure for cancer.

 Prevention programs                                   20%

Public and health professional information and education to prevent cancer occurrence or reduce risk of developing cancer.

  Detection / treatment programs                  17%

Programs aimed at finding cancer before it is clinically apparent. Information and education about cancer treatments for cure, recurrence, symptom and pain management.

 Patient support programs                            20%

Programs for patients and their families to ease the burden cancer places on them.

             Total for programs                           72% Management                                                  7% Fundraising                                                   21%             Total disbursement of funds          100%

For local distribution of funding, you should discuss with your Staff partner or Regional Development Director what programs are offered in your County or State. Examples: patient advocates at a local cancer treatment center, a Hope Lodge, Feel Good Look Better program, direct assistance to cancer patients and caregivers in financial need, etc...

/Rick