"Reach for the Stars" brings groups together in fight against cancer in LGBT community
WHAT: On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the getavision "Reach for the Stars" event to be held at the new Sunset Vine Tower in Hollywood will mark the launch of a nationwide outreach program in the fight against cancer in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ( LBGT ) community, led by Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Community Charities and the New York-based National LGBT Cancer Network, and supporting LIVESTRONG™, the Lance Armstrong Foundation ( LAF ) . Together with civic and business leaders, along with local residents, the Metropolitan Community Charities' getavision programs will be launched to provide direct financial assistance to cancer patients, facilitate local volunteer support for those affected by cancer, and provide work opportunities for those in recovery and attempting to re-enter the workforce.
The event will bring the community together in support of LGBT cancer survivors and their loved ones, while introducing innovative financial assistance programs. The getavision merchant microfunding program directs financial resources to LGBT cancer patients through debit cards. Locally-based programs include patient volunteer assistance through an online Time Banking system and an online barter system which enables recovering patients to engage in professional work in exchange for a virtual barter dollar currency exchangeable both locally and through a global barter exchange alliance. Together with the getavision programs, the National LGBT Cancer Network will be launching their Southern California hub.
The event will also celebrate the launch of getavision partner LaughMD Comedy Channel, the health and comedy TV channel produced and distributed by the Los Angeles-based award-winning leader in mobile television content, Fun Little Movies, currently in its first phase of deployment at Kaiser Permanente's Los Angeles Medical Center, Hollywood's largest employer. A book signing will include Joyce Schwarz, author of Harper Collins' #1 Amazon Bestselling book "The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life."
To learn more about the getavision "Reach for the Stars" event, visit http://getavision.org/upcoming-events/
WHERE: Penthouse and 17th Floor Balcony Levels, Sunset Vine Tower, 1480 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028
WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 6pm to 12m / Tickets must be purchased in advance at getavision.org
WHO: Southern California Business, Community Leaders & Local Residents
WHY: According to the National LGBT Cancer Network, the US government listed LGBT people as one of the six population groups experiencing health disparities in this country, meaning that the burden of disease is not evenly distributed, but falls most heavily on these groups. It is estimated that LGBT people are overrepresented among cancer survivors, accounting for more than 10% of the total, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that LGBT people have a substantially greater risk of developing cancer than the general population. These increased risks are not a result of difference in physiology or biochemistry, but a product of behaviors, many of which can be traced to stress from living with discrimination, homophobia and transphobia, such as smoking and drinking. Unfortunately, the increased risks are coupled with decreased cancer screening rates for LGBT people, resulting in cancers being picked up at a later stage when they are more difficult to treat and the prognosis is worse. Until health care providers and facilities become knowledgeable, respectful and safe for LGBT people, even free screening services will continue to be underutilized by this population.
HOW: By joining forces and supporting LIVESTRONG™, the Lance Armstrong Foundation ( LAF ) , we are seeking to improve prevention, screening and treatment of cancer. United we will make LGBT cancer a national priority and end needless death and suffering from the disease. Coupled with the National LGBT Cancer Network training and consultation to providers, health care facilities and social service agencies in cultural sensitivity to LGBT people, the getavision programs will provide three critical components to LGBT cancer patient survival: 1. ) Finances: Direct financial assistance through microfunding and debit card distribution; 2. ) Community Support: Volunteer networking and coordination to support LGBT cancer patients through a Time Banking system; and 3. ) Recovery: Practical steps to re-enter the working world through an online barter exchange.
