1 person found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator American Cancer Society, Inc.
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April 29, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I'm a cancer survivor and former beneficiary of ACS. They have helped me through their childhood cancer programs quite a lot, and now, as an adult, I know the immense impact that those programs had in my life.
Recently they have cancelled the program that allowed me, as a child, to attend summer camp even when I wasn't well. An experience that remains the catalyst for most of the best things in my life (talking best friends I have, a woman I love, the ability to positively affect the lives of kids in a position I used to be in myself. Life altering stuff.).
In addition, they have cancelled the scholarship program that allowed me to graduate from college. I do not come from money, and my childhood treatment bankrupted my folks. This scholarship saved my future in the career I fell in love with.
All of this could be forgiven if it was necessary. It is not necessary, however. These programs are reported to cost $1 million annually. They say they just cant afford it anymore, that they're trimming the fat. And yet in the board room THIS YEAR there are bonuses of upwards of $1.5 million.
Quality of life matters to more than just your executives, ACS. I am deeply disappointed that this has been forgotten.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Okay
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Unlikely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1999
April 4, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
As someone who decided to become a team Captain for their college's Relay for Life, I have been less then thrilled with the experience. I am representing and leading a small church group, we don't have many members and we don't have the most resources as compared to other participating. It began to bother me that in the RFL meetings, all that would be talked about was money and to raise as much money for them as possible; survivors, treatment and everything else was barely mentioned and certainly not stressed.
Each team had to raise at least 200 dollars to get a campsite, or else we wouldn't have had anywhere to put our stuff. If a team didn't have a large donation or a lot of members, they were heavily criticized by the organizers. Many small groups were flat out told it was worthless for them to participate, which I would think the organization should be thankful for any help they get. I think their rudeness should speak for itself.
I really wanted to support Relay for Life and our group was originally excited to support others who have had to fight such a tough battle, but I am very disenchanted with how I have seen the money used and the fact that the only thing being stressed is to raise money, not awareness or education or research but just money. When I asked the organizers how the money would be used that was raised, they couldn't give me an answer, which did bother me; however they were able to tell me what prizes I could earn as a team captain if my team raised so much money.
My experience may be due to the fact that this is a college campus and these were students running the event; however when I was talking to a family friend who is both a cancer survivor and how had participated in Relay for Life (in a different states location) her experience seemed very much like mine.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
January 3, 2013
I have been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society fo several years now and I am saddened by all the negative comments and I'm not really sure where people are pulling their info from. I can tell you that I have seen first hand numerous friends that have been helped free lodging, travel, medical equipment, wigs, programs and numerous other patient services. I have also seen first hand cutbacks within the ACS organization...as in less employees....more work taken on by the remaining employees. I can tell you that our Staff partner as well as the Quality of Life Manager, Executive Director and the staff of our local office work their butts off for that organization. Anyone that thinks volunteers do it all is wrong. Granted, ACS is approximately 90% volunteer driven...but I think of that as a plus. Shame on you people for being so gullible - do what your heart tells you. Do you really think that many volunteers would be volunteering if they felt ACS mismanaged their monies? Why do you think they have such a huge volunteer base?? Because the volunteers have seen FIRST HAND how many lives have been helped by the American Cancer Society. I don't believe all the negative articles I read about places such as the American Red Cross, Komen, etc. I believe what is in my heart. I will continue to volunteer for the American Cancer Society until cancer is gone or I'm gone.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
October 18, 2012
I have been volunteering for Raly for Life, along with my daughter who organizes bake sale events and pariticpates in other fund raisers at her school for ACS. After seeing the , we'll be sepdning our time elsewhere. Shame on you, John Seffrin!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A little
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Somewhat badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 1, 2012
HAVE BEEN AN ACTIVE BOARD MEMBER FOR OVER 40 YEARS. AS A NURSE ,DID EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. RECENTLY FOUND OUT THE SALARIES OF THE LEADERS- OUTRAGEOUS- AND THE SMALL AMOUNT TO RESEARCH. ACS COVERS ALL THAT UP. ALSO THEY GAVE MONEY TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD- MONEY I GAVE FOR CANCER. ALSO THEY SENT LETTERS TO SUPPORT THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE BILL= NONE OF THE MEMBERS KNEW ABOUT OR ABOUT THE MONEY TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD OR THAT THEY USE EMBROS FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH. ACS NEED TO FIRE ALL THE EXPENSE DICTATORS. ACS JUST MOVED INTO A 274,000 SQ FT BUILDING IN ATLANTA WITH 800 EMPLOYEES.. WHER DOES ALL THAT MONEY COME FROM?? FROM HARD WORKING ,BELIEVING VOLUNTEERS.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Okay
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator2 previous reviews - show all
October 17, 2012
In answer to mwartman:Yes, those programs are all great but let's set the record straight:almost all of the programs you mentioned are carried out by volunteers (the makeup class, the road to recovery... more
March 20, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
The people who have given ACS 5 stars need to sit up and smell the coffee. Wake up! If you don't believe CN's (bad) ACS rating is worth considering, do a little research. You don't have to look far to find out the truth about ACS. If you don't trust the rating of Charity Navigator, check out other reputable organizations who do the same thing. If you just google a little, you'll find out a lot. Also, the fact of the employee pension plan is huge. Of course they can't drop employees who are currently drawing their pension. But if the money wasn't coming from donors, they would immediately do what large corporations have done: stop funding the pension plans for current employees. Of course it's legal, it's done all the time. Not good for employees, but the DONATED money in ACS's case could then go toward research and also to helping cancer patients more directly. ACS mission is not to set up their employees for their retirement years--it's to fight cancer. If they really believed that, they would follow through and make the necessary cuts.
Just a few links from a casual google:
http://www.indeed.com/forum/cmp/American-Cancer-Society/s-company-culture-at-American-Cancer-Society/t16550
ACS employee:
...You are expected to meet workplans that are sometimes ridiculous while being forced in training/brainwashing sessions, sometimes every week, but definitely at least once a month. These are usually overnight events. They try to brainwash you so you can explain to people where their money goes, when really it is going to pay for all the meetings, hotel rooms, salaries, gas, car rentals, food, etc. that you use each month. My expense report averaged over $2000 a month! It is disgusting to participate in a huge, extravagant 3 day meetings, but we were not allowed to give a patient the money to pay for a small co-pay on their much needed medication. I have even seen die-hard volunteers accept employment positions with ACS and then quit after a few months because of how appalled they are with how ACS is run.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/american-cancer-society-where-does-your-money-go/nFX4j/
http://www.wtflungcancer.com/where-do-your-relay-for-life-donations-go-american-cancer-society-doesnt-tell-you/
http://www.preventcancer.com/losing/acs/wealthiest_links.htm
http://www.chondrosarcoma-support.org/index.php?topic=963.0
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 17, 2012
In answer to mwartman:Yes, those programs are all great but let's set the record straight:almost all of the programs you mentioned are carried out by volunteers (the makeup class, the road to recovery, man to man, almost all of the programs are carried out by VOLUNTEERS. Wigs are donated, staff that helps with them are volunteers, the Hope Lodge is donated from large charitible donations for the most part. You need to do some further research and believe what you are reading via other posts on this site. ACS takes in Millions and MILLIONS of dollars, but holds on tight to it and makes sure that their administrative and top employees including the CEO are paid very, very well. My money will never go to them again.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 10, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
For those who say that you can't find a good CEO to run a charity of the size of ACS without paying them a huge salary: Look again at what the top dogs at ACS are getting vs other reputable charities of a similar nature. Also, I personally (who like many used to believe that ACS was wonderful), will look for a LOCAL charity that helps those afflicted with cancer. If you're a successful volunteer with ACS and there's nothing in your area, think about getting your teams together and starting a local organization. There are many who need assistance with transportation to treatments, medical/drug expenses, compassionate support etc. that ACS will turn down flat or refer to other non-profits. All the fantastic, wonderful volunteers w/ACS who help out every year and raise local money to fight cancer--by all means, continue doing so, but do your homework and find out where the money is being spent. If research is what you want to fund, seek out the orgs on CN who have the best track record there. I know my money and time will never again go to the American Cancer Society.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A little
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Somewhat badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 24, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
As an oncologist, I would recommend supporting your local hospital/cancer center/hospice rather that the ACS. You are supporting some huge salaries. Keep the donations and volunteering where you know it will do the most good, in your local area. Do you really need to make a million a year to run this if your heart is really dedicated to helping cancer patients? Give money to charities that help with co-pay assistance or local good samaritan clinics. These are the cutting edge in the trenches ways to help people.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
4 people found this review helpful
May 11, 2012
4 people found this review helpful
I have volunteered for over ten years at the ACS Relay For Life annual fundraising event. It is, I believe, the best, most efficient fundraiser you will find. Unfortunately we discovered last year that the top executive of the American Cancer Society is getting 2.5 million dollars in compensation. The figures come from the IRS form 990 filed by ACS. That is way too much for an organization that prides itself on being volunteer based. Further investigation showed that there has been a pattern of this behavior, not just one incident.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am a two time cancer survivor.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Fire the CEO and the Chief Medical Officer. Pay the replacements a modest salary.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Used.
May 4, 2012
You guys are crazy! The ACS does great things and helps great people, they are a charity worth raising money for, you complain about the pay of employees at least they are doing something their work is being put to good use that is worth paying someone for. "only .73 cents goes to cancer research" at least someone is researching! "cancer is un-cureable" WITHOUT HOPE YOUR RIGHT! have a little faith in a organization and great things can come from it, If no money was spent on ACS we might not know that smoking causes cancer, their may be no smoking in public ban and YOU may be affected..ACS is a great place to spend your time volunteering not only is the staff great to work with the people that come together for these events are amazing and beautiful, they all want one thing Cancer to be cured. The survivors are strong and powerful, the friends and families have hope, when these people come together its mind blowing its not a sad events where people come together to morn, its a upbeat social events where we celebrate life, and look for a day where no one is affected.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 1, 2011
There are so many people that benefit from what the ACS offers with donor dollars. While a majority of it is not research, the other programs and services are vital to those fighting this horrible disease.
In my local area, our ACS office offers, AT NO CHARGE, to cancer patients:
1. Look Good...Feel Better (a make-up kit complete with instruction on how to use this special make-up for patients undergoing treatment and have had chemo wreak havoc on their skin)
2. Reach to Recovery
3. Road to Recovery
4. Wigs
5. Breast prosthesis
6. A place for cancer patients to meet (i.e. MD Anderson support group)
7. A resource room complete with a computer for patients and their caregivers to educate themselves on what is happeneing to them
8. NCIC-National Cancer Information Center (a call center staffed with knowledgeable cancer information specialists)
So no, the ACS does not use all of their donations for research. But the day to day health of patients who may not see the benefits of long-term research is important to them and their volunteers.
To see a woman feel whole again after getting her breast prosthesis is like nothing I've ever experienced. The glimmer of hope and joy in her previously sad, sad face is worth my time and donations.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
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