The Today Show introduced me to the “Stand Up to Cancer” initiative this morning.  It’s anchored by a terrific website that greets you with a series of videos starting with the incomparable Larry David’s “Help a Bald Brother Out!” plea.  It’s hilarious and David makes the case for standing up to cancer as no one else can.

One feature of the drive is the Constellation. The Constellation is a tribute space to honor anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis.  For a donation of $1 or more, you can add a star to the Constellation in the name of someone you love: a family member, a co-worker, a friend.

Another is a one hour TV show to air on ABC, CBS and NBC. Press Release:  Stars from film, television, sports, journalism and music
come together for September 5th prime time television event
to raise funds for cancer research.

May 28, 2008 – NEW YORK, NY/LOS ANGELES, CA: Stand Up To Cancer www.standup2cancer.org), a new initiative to raise philanthropic dollars for accelerating ground-breaking research, launches today through an unprecedented collaboration uniting the major television networks, entertainment industry executives, celebrities and prominent leaders in cancer research and patient advocacy. ABC, CBS and NBC will donate one hour of simultaneous commercial-free primetime for a nationally televised fundraising event to air on September 5, 2008 (8 pm EDT and PDT), aimed at rallying the public around the goal of ending cancer's reign as a leading cause of death.

Network evening news anchors Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams will announce the initiative together during live appearances today on ABC's "Good Morning America," CBS's "The Early Show," and NBC's "TODAY show."

"For people struggling with this disease, or those who will be diagnosed, scientific breakthroughs can be a matter of life or death -- literally. We want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this fight," said Couric. "Television is a notoriously competitive business. For the three major broadcast networks to join forces is a wonderful example of the power of working together, and we're very grateful to have the opportunity to reach people all over the country through this show."

Read the full press release at: http://www.standup2cancer.org/theshow/press