File and Fight Campaign Helps Research Efforts

Mar 21, 2008

Not all of us can be renowned oncologists, poring over lab work and cell tissue in an effort to fight cancer. But thanks to the new File and Fight program, we can all pitch in to help these experts discover that breakthrough.

When preparing their 2008 Kansas income tax return, taxpayers can simply check box 38 to donate funds to the Kansas Breast Cancer Research Fund. This voluntary contribution will generate crucial funds for breast cancer research at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

The campaign is the result of efforts by breast cancer survivor Sen. Barbara Allen (R-Overland Park) and Roy Jensen, MD, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Both sought ways to make it easier for more Kansans to have a direct impact on the prevention of cancer in Kansas.

“We want women in Kansas to have access to the best treatment and care, and that means having the resources needed to find cures,” Sen. Allen said. “By providing such a convenient option for taxpayers to contribute to this essential cause, we hope to provide our doctors with the means to save lives.”

The theme of the File and Fight campaign is “Help Turn a Red State Into a Pink One,” and organizers hope the traditional association of the color pink with breast cancer will encourage taxpayers to help fund the campaign, which keeps all donations in Kansas.

“This is a great way for all Kansans to simply check off a box and make a meaningful and significant impact on the future of cancer research in our state,” Dr. Jensen said. “Donations of any amount will help move us closer to eliminating the burden of cancer.”

The File and Fight marketing campaign was created pro bono by Bernstein Rein and will place themed advertisements and objects throughout the state as part of an effort to draw attention to the new contribution method and to statewide efforts to combat breast cancer. To learn more about the campaign, visit http://www.fileandfight.com/.