Executive  Summary      The  CT  Challenge  “CTC”  is  a  non-­‐profit  based  in  New  England  dedicated  to  improving  the  lives  of  the  13  million  cancer  survivors  living  in  the  US  today.    Cancer  survivors  have  unique  health  care  needs  as  a  result  of  treatment,  which  are  not  addressed  by  current  medical  care  standards.    These  needs  must  be  dealt  with  to  increase  the  chances  of  long-­‐term  survival  and  to  improve  the  quality  of  life  of  this  growing  population.  Most  survivors  go  through  intense  treatment  using  a  combination  of  toxic  drugs  and/or  radiation  to  rid  them  of  cancer.    These  treatments  have  lifelong  effects  on  their  bodies,  including  major  organs  and  other  functions.  The  most  common  side  effects  are  pain,  depression  and  fatigue.    The  mission  of  the  CTC  is  to  empower  cancer  survivors  to  take  control  of  their  health  by  offering  credible  educational  materials,  comprehensive  resources,  and  a  roadmap  for  all  those  impacted  by  the  disease  to  lead  healthier,  happier  and  longer  lives.  The  CTC  launched  the  first  “Center  For  Survivorship”  in  the  US  to  help  shape  the  field  of  cancer  survivorship  care  in  areas  of  nutrition,  exercise  and  psychosocial  support.    The  CT  Challenge  has  impacted  the  lives  of  thousands  of  cancer  survivors  and  their  supporters  since  2005.    Programs  supported  by  the  CTC  include:  

• The  Center  for  Survivorship,  a  leading  research  and  wellness  center  • Education:  over  10,000  educational  brochures  distributed  to  promote  resources  for  cancer  survivors  • Community  Outreach  services  including  exercise  and  support  groups  offered  in  local  communities    • College  scholarships  for  cancer  survivors    • CT  Challenge  Survivorship  Summit,  one  of  the  largest  conferences  in  the  US  for  medical  professionals  • A  Speaker  Series:  educational,  cultural  and  awareness  raising  events  for  cancer  survivors  • Our  innovative  website:  educating,  motivating  and  guiding  cancer  survivors  to  qualified  resources  • Pilot  research  projects  in  cancer  survivorship  • A  multi-­‐year  grant  supporting  the  development  of  Survivorship  curriculum  for  nursing  students    • Mobile  mammography  services  in  underserved  areas  • The  CT  Challenge  Survivorship  Network  of  hospitals  and  cancer  centers  in  the  New  England  region      

88  %  of  every  dollar  spent  is  directed  towards  program  services