ABOUT THE DAVID SPENCE CANCER FOUNDATION

As a cancer survivor, I am living proof that medicine and research matter. It IS the difference between life and death. So many people have benefited from this research and I felt the need, privilege and responsibility to give back to this cause. I wanted to be in a position to help patients, families and care givers battle this disease medically, financially and emotionally. For these reasons, I started a non-profit organization called the Cancer Fund more than 30 years ago, which is now known as the David Spence Cancer Foundation.

I know all too well the devastation caused by cancer and it’s my time to help others.

It is an absolute privilege to be the steward of your money, to be an ambassador in the fight, to attend events and hear your stories. I’m extremely proud of the work we have done thus far. We have contributed money and energy and have spurred on millions of dollars from others to fight the fight.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

There are far too many people suffering from cancer NOW, so a large portion of funding goes to help those suffering in the myriad of ways that cancer strikes. I’m also a huge proponent of preventative care. If we can stop people from getting cancer, then there will be that many fewer people anguishing from this disease. Additionally, I selectively give to research because anyone who is living post cancer diagnosis would not be where they are in their journey without such findings.

YOUR IMPACT

I want to let you know how YOUR money has been put to work in the cancer community. I made a commitment to you that I would make your money be as impactful as possible. I run the foundation like a business and am personally invested too.

I have been to at least 100 cancer fundraisers. The reason for this is not only to show my support, but also to ask for more donations on behalf of that organization and then offer to match the ensuing dollars. I’m very strategic in how I do this. I wait until there is a lull in giving, and then I pounce. At that time I’ll get up and implore people to give and offer a match. At other times, I tell the audience if they get to X dollars, then I will add X more dollars. This ensures your dollars are at least being doubled. What I always try to do is make the money you have entrusted me with have the maximum impact.

I’m also a stickler when it comes to matches. I may give a $5000 match, but if the organization can’t raise that amount, then they don’t get it. I will only give up to the amount that they raised. They must work for it. I’m not just going to pledge the Foundation’s money (your money) without the organization earning it. We have limited resources, so I want YOUR money to have the greatest impact possible.

I do not donate the Foundation’s resources to organizations that I don’t think are well run. I’ve met with all the organizations I give to and have seen their financials. If there is any waste, I won’t give. In many cases, I will say, if you do XY and Z I will give next year. Often, I will sit down and confer with the director on how the operations are run and give advice and consultation on how to improve operations.

I always ask the organizations how many people and to what effect will this money help. I want to know that the money you have given will have the greatest impact.

Thank you for being in this fight with me. We are making a huge difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.