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Newswise Fairfax, Va., March 17, 2015The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) seeks to recognize two cancer support organizations based in Texas. The recipients of ASTROs 2015 Survivor Circle Grants will each receive a grant of $8,500. The 2015 grantees will be recognized in the Survivor Circle at the ASTRO Resource Center during ASTROs 57th Annual Scientific Meeting, the nations premier scientific meeting in radiation oncology, hosting more than 11,000 radiation oncology physicians and professionals, to be held October 18-21, 2015, at San Antonios Henry B. Gonzlez Convention Center.

Cancer support organizations are a vital resource to patients, families and caregivers from diagnosis through survivorship. ASTROs goal in providing these grants is to assist these groups in continuing to provide important resources and in creating new programs, said David C. Beyer, MD, FASTRO, president-elect of ASTRO. The Survivor Circle Grant will offer these organizations the opportunity to enhance the support they are able to give to cancer patients and their families.

Eligible organizations must be a cancer support organization based in Texas; must provide support to patients and/or families of patients with cancer; and may be local or national in scope. The application is online at http://www.rtanswers.org/SCgrant. Applications must be received by April 27, 2015.

Applications will be reviewed by members of the ASTRO Healthcare Access and Training Subcommittee and ASTROs Board of Directors. Selection will be made based on the percentage of the program that is geared toward radiation-related support, as well as a proven dedicated effort to reach all demographics of cancer patients in the city/state where the organization is located.

Past Survivor Circle Grant recipients have used the grant to fund: 1) local transportation and other support needs; 2) supplies for cancer support group meetings, such as brochures, videos and flyers; 3) welcome kits for new patients and/or families seeking assistance from the support organization; and 4) financial assistance for patients for items such as transportation to and/or from treatment and co-payments.

Since 2003, ASTRO has recognized cancer survivors in the city where its Annual Scientific Meeting is held. In addition to recognizing two cancer support organizations, each year ASTRO honors a local cancer survivor who is dedicated to volunteering in their community. The individual is recognized during the Awards Ceremony at ASTROs Annual Meeting.

Many patients depend on these support organizations, their staff and volunteers to help them navigate the health care system and access much-needed resources during their journey including diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, said Laura I. Thevenot, ASTRO CEO. These grants will recognize and strengthen two leading organizations dedication and efforts to supporting patients and their families.

Applications for the 2015 Survivor Circle Grants must be received by Monday, April 27, 2015. The application is available at http://www.rtanswers.org/SCgrant.

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Call for Applications for ASTRO's Annual Survivor Circle Grant