An O-mazing Night For Stand Up To Cancer
By Katie Couric
This year's Stand Up To Cancer event was filled with celebrities, but it turns out the real superstars were the viewers. Thanks to all of you who tuned in, stood up, and gave so generously, we raised more than $109 million dollars!
The money will be put to excellent use by cancer research Dream Teams, groups of the best and brightest scientists from around the world, developing treatments and cures for the people who need them now. We are also proud to announce the launch of two new Dream Teams dedicated to developing new therapeutic interventions for lung and ovarian cancers.
This year, I had a special date with me, Athena Damdounis of Manchester, New Hampshire. A month ago, Omaze, the online charity auction, offered up a chance for someone to be my VIP guest and walk the red carpet at this year's SU2C event. Athena won. For as little as ten dollars, anyone can enter for a chance to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This year, SU2C raised $50,000 through Omaze.
Athena was the perfect date — she herself stood up to cancer and is a survivor. Watch the video above to see her big night. For those who donated through Omaze and didn't win this year, don't give up. The SU2C event will be back in 2016. Until then, let's continue the fight and stand up to cancer.
Who do you think is a global game changer, and what person would you like to see featured in this series? Let me know on Twitter ( @katiecouric ) or Tumblr .
