FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S SHARE THE LIGHT CAMPAIGN
The American Cancer Society presented Share The Light – a virtual live streaming event hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, moderator of CBS’s daytime series The Talk and judge for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. The virtual magical event gathered celebrities and friends to celebrate the spirit of cancer survivors and bring vital attention to the unique needs of the cancer community during this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. The NFL Player’s Choir raised their voices to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society with a fun socially-distanced performance of the classic “Little Light of Mine.”
“I know the cancer journey intimately. Both of my parents have had devastating later stage cancer diagnoses and I understand what it’s like to care for and watch those you love fight for their lives. That’s why this night and the work of the American Cancer Society is so important. And I couldn’t be happier to join them in the fight for a world without cancer.”
SHARE THE LIGHT CELEBRITY CO-HOST CARRIE ANN INABA.
The NFL Players Choir performance was directed by multi Grammy award winning producer Myron Butler and featured 18 NFL players from around the league. Those players that shared their off the field talents included:
- Darrell Green, Pro Football Hall Of Fame, Washington Redskins
- Tim Brown, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Oakland Raiders
- Andrew Givens, Green Bay Packers
- Bryant McKinnie, Super Bowl Champ, Baltimore Ravens
- Bryan Scott, Walter Peyton Man Of The Year, Buffalo Bills
- Cameron Newton, Atlanta Falcons
- Emeree Patterson, Oakland Raiders
- Greg J. Coleman, Minnesota Vikings
- Henry Lawrence, Super Champion (3X), Oakland Raiders
- Je’Mone_Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
- Jonathan Wynn, Detroit Lions
- Larry Mallory,New York Giants
- Lemarcus Newnan, San Francisco 49ers
- Michael Gaines, Charlotte Panthers
- Olrick Johnson, New England Patriots
- Stephan Pierce, Cleveland Browns
- Tim Walton, Detroit Lions
- Ulish Booker, Pittsburg Steelers
Musical performances also included Grammy award winning performers Vince Gill and Kirk Franklin along with vocal powerhouse Pia Toscano, T-Pain.
The Share The Light also featured appearances by celebrity survivors, caregivers and American Cancer Society supporters and friends, including: Special guest and musical legend Ms. Patti LaBelle, Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” sportscaster Erin Andrews, actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, comedian Joel McHale, Telemundo host Stephanie “Chiquibaby” Himonidis, survivor and jewelry designer Simone I. Smith, Young & the Restless actress Sharon Case, NFL Super Bowl winning siblings Jaylen and Sammy Watkins.
Covid-19 has upended our lives and uniquely challenged cancer survivors. Despite COVID-19, cancer hasn’t stopped. In fact, in 2020, more than 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. 1 in 3 Americans will get cancer in their lifetime. This is especially true for Black and Latino communities who navigate vast health disparities and worse cancer outcomes. The American Cancer Society’s groundbreaking research, education, and prevention measures have helped lower the risks of cancer, but those measures are at risk.
“Because of COVID-19, cancer patients are more vulnerable than ever. They are not only especially vulnerable to contracting coronavirus, but nearly 80% of cancer patients in active treatment have seen their screening and vital treatments delayed due to coronavirus.”
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GARY REEDY.
“The American Cancer Society must remain strong so that we can continue with the services, research, and advocacy that save lives,” continued Reedy. “The Share The Light campaign, along with support from our friends, is helping ensure we do just that. Through the Share The Light campaign, ACS will celebrate the spirit of survivors – and those who care for them. And at the same time raise vital donations to help ensure the American Cancer Society has what it needs to continue its lifesaving vision of a world without cancer.”