Our Mission

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Funds raised from the Holiday Shopping Card support the American Cancer Society's vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society Houston Area raised nearly $7 million through local events, individual giving, and corporate initiatives, but the American Cancer Society is currently investing more than $20.7 million back into the Houston community through the following initiatives:

$18.33 million currently invested in innovative, Houston-based cancer research (32 grants at 6 institutions as of 02/05/2026).
$2.06 million annual investment in operating funds for the Houston Hope Lodge to provide a home-away-from-home for those traveling to Houston for life-saving cancer treatment.
$80,000+ invested in Local Prevention and Early Detection Grants to help address health disparities with cancer screenings, HPV vaccinations, and access to quality care
$130,000+ invested in Community Transportation Grants providing rides to life-saving treatment

Our Impact in Houston by the Numbers

For 32 active grants funding innovative cancer research at Houston-area research institutions such as MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, and UT Health Science Center (as of 02/05/2026).
Annual investment in the Patient Assistance Program to support patients and their families throughout every stage of the cancer journey—from prevention to survivorship.
Families have saved nearly $6.95 million in lodging cost alone by staying at Houston's Hope Lodge, a 64-suite home-away-from-home for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Reducing barriers to quality care by providing more than 10,200 free rides to appointments for Texans through our transportation programs in 2025.
At our National Cancer Information Center, trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer questions 24 hours a day, every day of the year to empower you with accurate, up-to-date information to help you make educated health decisions.
1-800-227-2345