FAIRFAX, Va., March 14, 2016 -- The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) encourages cancer support organizations based in New England to apply for its Survivor Circle Grant, an annual recognition that helps fund the development and maintenance of programs that support cancer patients and their families. Two organizations will receive 2016 Survivor Circle Grant awards of $8,500 apiece and will be recognized this fall at ASTRO's 58th Annual Meeting, the nation's premier scientific meeting in radiation oncology.

Organizations based in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut or New Hampshire that provide support and/or education to cancer patients, cancer survivors, caregivers and/or families of cancer patients are eligible to apply for the grants. ASTRO has recognized cancer support organizations based in the state where its Annual Meeting is held since 2003. The 2016 ASTRO Annual Meeting, which is expected to attract more than 11,000 radiation oncology physicians and professionals, will be held September 25-28, 2016, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

"Organizations that provide aid and support to cancer patients, caregivers and families are vital resources from diagnosis through survivorship," said Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH, FASTRO, president-elect of ASTRO. "Survivor Circle Grants offer these organizations opportunities to sustain their current efforts or develop new programs that directly benefit cancer patients."
Recipients of the 2015 Survivor Circle Grants included ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, which used its grant funding to provide transportation assistance for patients receiving cancer treatment throughout San Antonio, and Dan's House of Hope, which provides temporary housing and support programs for teens and young adult cancer patients receiving treatment at the Texas Medical Center.

While grant applicants must be a cancer support organization based in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut or New Hampshire, they may be local or national in scope. An emphasis on support for patients receiving radiation therapy is preferred, but not required.

The online Survivor Circle Grant application asks organizations to complete five open-ended questions about their efforts to serve cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and/or families. Completed applications must be received by April 4, 2016 for consideration. Grant applications will be reviewed and evaluated by members of the ASTRO Healthcare Access and Training Subcommittee and the ASTRO Board of Directors.

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