American Cancer Society - Illinois

Big news! Join us in congratulating Michael Ziener, MNA on his new role as Vice President of Development for Illinois at the American Cancer Society! ? With a career dedicated to philanthropy, fundraising, and advocacy, Mike brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. His expertise in donor relations, strategic partnerships, and community engagement will fuel our efforts to advance research, provide patient support, and drive health equity initiatives. He’s committed to leading the charge in Illinois-rallying business leaders, donors, and communities to change the future of cancer. ? “This fight is deeply personal for me and so many of us. With millions facing a cancer diagnosis nationwide in 2025 – including an estimated 78,870 new cases and 23,170 deaths in IL?– we have a real opportunity to step up, rally support, and make a difference.”? ? Mike, we can’t wait to see the impact you will continue to make!?

Black women are disproportionately impacted by cancer, and it’s time to change the narrative. The American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women is amplifying real stories, real challenges, and real solutions, but we need your voice. A huge thank you to Brian Jackson and the Fox 32 Chicago crew for shedding light on this critical issue, and to our incredible community collaborators, Paris Thomas, PhD at Equal Hope and cancer survivor, Nicole Reed for their dedication to health equity. Make an impact! Share your story and help shape solutions at voices.cancer.org ??https://lnkd.in/evXUK9CT

Meet Our Vice Chair for the 2025 Breaking Barriers Luncheon: Shikha Jain, MD, FACP of The University of Illinois Cancer Center and Women in Medicine?. ???? Physician, researcher, and fierce advocate for women in science, Dr. Shikha Jain is passionate about breaking barriers for women in cancer research. “This luncheon is not just an event; it’s a powerful platform to spotlight the incredible contributions of women in science and to inspire the next generation of female leaders in oncology research.” She knows firsthand that diverse teams drive innovation and is committed to ensuring women scientists and clinicians have the support they need to lead groundbreaking work. “By intentionally investing in women, we’re not just addressing historical inequities; we’re accelerating discoveries that will benefit everyone. I’m motivated by the chance to help foster that next wave of discovery while also honoring the trailblazing women who are already transforming the future of cancer care.” ?? ? ??Be part of this movement on April 30th and hear firsthand the inspiring stories of resilience, innovation, impact, and progress. Help change the future of cancer research. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eRpibhTy

We had the privilege of celebrating the incredible members of the Chicago Associate Board of Ambassadors at our annual awards ceremony. This inspiring group of young professionals has gone above and beyond to raise crucial funds in the fight against cancer. ? These powerhouses raised over $683K in 2024 for the American Cancer Society, solidifying their place as the leading young professionals' group in the nation. We are beyond grateful for their dedication, passion, and relentless drive to make a difference! ????

I pray that Black women, like my mother, the late great Mary “Cat” Catherine Bishop, who lost her personal battle with cancer, know their VOICES are being heard even in some cases, beyond the grave. The veracity of that statement is due in large part to the work of the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS launched a longitudinal study on May 7, 2024 (Ironically, that’s my birthday) ?? that is designed to change the narrative for Black women regarding this devastating disease. It’s been 13 years since we lost Mommy. I plan to fight 130 years alongside ACS to help ensure no one else has to experience that kind of pain. Visit voices.cancer.org to find out if you are eligible to be a part of the study. Regardless, you can help in other ways. Be sure to spread the word to at least THREE Black women in your life. Why only Black women? I’m glad you asked. That demographic has the highest death rate and shortest survival of any other group and for different types of cancer. I became a VOICES Ambassador to help prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer. Today, I was honored to share the importance of this work on the Disney Entertainment Channel 7 morning news program. BIG ‘shout outs’ to James Haenes, Karen Sharer, MPH, LSSGB and Wendelyn (Wendy) Mitchell Gill ???? for ensuring this important message remains front and center. Let’s get ahead of this disease vs. letting our guard down behind it! Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gKVpxQ7s Visit voices.cancer.org TODAY. #VOICES #ACS #fightingcancer#marycathybishoplives P.S.-Val Warner and Terrell Brown are dope. P.S.S. -We’re sitting on Oprah’s original couch at ABC studio.

Last year I got to know Grace Quinn, who passionately works for the American Cancer Society. She is one of the driving powers behind the amazing annual Chicago Taste of Hope event. Affected by her dedication for such a great cause we met at our offices in Chicago. I was truly honored when she invited me to join the Executive Committee of Chicago Taste of Hope which I happily accepted with the support of Spencer Stuart. Taste of Hope brings award-winning chefs and Chicago foodies together to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s progress in the fight against cancer. Taste of Hope has always featured our wonderful Chicagoland restaurants, and this year is no different. Taste of Hope 2025 will showcase over 30 Chicagoland restaurants, each offering a tasting station with the best food and drinks Chicago has to offer. Now in its twelfth year, the event is hosted annually by the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope Executive Leadership Committee and has raised over $5,000,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. #tasteofhope #spencerstuart #americancancersociety #leadership #executive #chicago

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, President & CEO of Sinai Chicago and former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, recently stopped by The Rufus Williams Morning Show on WVON for an important conversation about health disparities. ? Too often, access to care, research, and resources determines who survives cancer and who doesn’t. Black patients are twice as likely to die from cancers like prostate and uterine cancer—urgent warning signs that demand action. ? As Dr. Ezike said: "A healthy Chicago depends on every community being healthy... We're always looking for people who believe that health care is a right for all to join us in this amazing work." ? Let’s keep pushing for change, and end cancer as we know it for everyone. ? Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eHF53puN

Join us on Wednesday, April 30th at the Breaking Barriers: Transforming Women's Health Luncheon benefitting the American Cancer Society’s ResearcHERS movement, an initiative funding women-led cancer research and addressing the underrepresentation of women in leadership. Spend the afternoon networking with peers and hearing from a distinguished panel of experts including Feyi Ayodele, Ilyce Glink, and David Victorson as they discuss critical women's wellness issues and cancer risk factors. You will gain insight into the physical, mental, and financial challenges many women face, and how these factors can impact overall health outcomes and cancer risk. ???Visit https://lnkd.in/eRpibhTy for more information and to secure your ticket. **A huge thank you to our incredible Vice Chairs and Sponsors for making this event possible! Andrea S Marks (Mackevicius) Terri McNally Sarah Sharfstein, MBA Griselda Garibay, MBA, MPS Shikha Jain, MD, FACP Marthina Sochodolak Iris Shaffer Jennifer Atkins Kate Wolin Neepa Patel Elisabeth Ritz Stephanie V. Cheryl Lulias Anne McCune Vicki Prot Jennie Chansomphou Kimberly George Melissa Kalinowski Thierer Family Foundation Global Capital, Ltd. Blue Health Intelligence Illinois CancerCare Ritz Communications

Passionate about fighting breast cancer? Join the American Cancer Society's Making Strides of Chicago Executive Pink Committee! Our events rely heavily on the involvement of volunteers to ensure their success and impact. With your leadership skills and passion for our cause, you can make an invaluable addition to our team of community leaders who drive fundraising efforts and help amplify our event's mission! Message me to get involved.

Leaders from the Illinois board, staff and volunteer leadership and staff from the North Region recently concluded the American Cancer Society’s Volunteer Leadership Summit! The event focus was on driving impactful initiatives to combat cancer and make a difference for all. Together, we are dedicated to the mission of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. Exciting times ahead as we work towards a cancer-free future. #VLS2025