• http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/147/140/51/
• http://secondslog.blogspot.com/2008/11/reopening-american-cancer-society.html
• http://www.RelayForLife.org/relay/secondlife
• http://flickr.com/photos/poppy_zabelin/sets/72157609544904116/
• http://poppyzabelin.blogspot.com/search/label/Fighting%20Spirit

The most recognizable feature of the American Cancer Society in Second Life is the Relay For Life. In 2008, Relay For Life of Second Life raised more than $214,000 USD with more than 2,000 avatars at the event on 32 sims. The event celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones lost, and to gives an opportunity for participants to pledge to fight back against a disease that has taken so much. Relay volunteers are the lifeblood of the American Cancer Society’s existence, and we would not have lasted in Second Life without their enthusiasm and dedication. Relay For Life has created the opportunity for a breast cancer education and awareness program based on the real life Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. The money raised by the Relay For Life of Second Life is used to fund lifesaving cancer research, patient support programs, advocacy efforts, and education around the world, as well as the continued existence of ACS in Second Life.

On the American Cancer Society Island, there is a Hope Haven, where cancer survivors and caregivers meet regularly to share stories, provide support, and to walk hand-in-hand with newly diagnosed patients. The Hope Haven is the cornerstone of how the ACS provides much needed support for cancer survivors who live in Second Life. Cancer treatment can leave people disabled, disfigured, and uncomfortable in real life. One of the goals of this support group is to provide informational and emotional support that is vital to beating cancer during treatment and after.

In 2008, volunteers worked with ACS staff to design and build a new island from the ground up. The breathtaking new island features a two-tiered, four-storey building overlooking a lake, and flags on the roof that represent the various populations that make up our volunteer base. Functional changes will address the growing needs of the organization and its volunteers. Some One of the enhancements to the island (besides the serene atmosphere) are is the media library, where avatars can browse resources of information on topics such as:

-Cancer Facts for Men

-Cancer Facts for Women

-Questions to ask your Doctor

-Detailed Guide to Breast Cancer

-Cancer Myths and Facts

-What is Relay For Life

The new island design also includes two amphitheaters (seating 65 avatars) and several smaller, intimate meeting locations to provide meeting space to related non-profit organizations who cannot afford to own their own island. There is also a Memorial Garden, where family members and friends may place pictures in memory of loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer.

The Island Greeter Program is a service that is being designed to help visitors to the island who have questions like where to make a donation, new volunteers, support and information requests.

Ren Stonecutter, a real life physician, has recently accepted a volunteer position in charge of Education and Awareness and has begun to give lectures on cancer information at ACS Island. The lectures will also be re-recorded as podcasts and made available on iTunes.

Future plans include integrating with related non-profit efforts in Second Life in order to provide services to a wider audience, as well as help these other organizations gain notoriety.