A great deal of amazing work is done by nonprofit groups in the fields of cancer research as well as patient and family support, and it takes huge sums of money to make this possible. Thankfully, people are often very willing to support these causes either by direct donation or through other fundraising efforts (like 5Ks or other events). However, as is so often the case, there are people who conspire to take advantage of kindness and generosity for their personal gain. A lot of people want to help but don't have the time or ability to research fundraising organizations, and many of the shadiest fundraisers do what they can to confuse or deceive even well-meaning contributors. This article exposes a number of these scams as they pertain to breast cancer. It's an important reminder to know where our donations go. I want my money to help patients and families and not lining the pocket of the vile people who run these sham charities for personal profit.
"The Big Business of Breast Cancer" by Lea Goldman
Published in Marie Claire, September 14, 2011
http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/news/breast-cancer-business-scams
Additional resource about choosing cancer fundraising organizations -- from the U.S. Federal Government's National Cancer Institute (NCI). Full disclosure: I work as a subcontractor for NCI.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Information/organizations
Eric
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