Carrie Ann Inaba Hosts American Cancer Society’s Share The Light

The American Cancer Society presents Share The Light – a virtual live streaming event hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, moderator of CBS’s daytime series The Talk and judge for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. On Thursday, July 16 at 7p.m. ET, this magical event will gather celebrities and friends to celebrate the spirit of cancer survivors and bring vital attention to the unique needs of the cancer community during this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

“I know the cancer journey intimately,” said Share The Light celebrity co-host Carrie Ann Inaba. “Both of my parents have had devastating later stage cancer diagnoses and I understand what it’s like to care for and watch those you love fight for their lives. That’s why this night and the work of the American Cancer Society is so important. And I couldn’t be happier to join them in the fight for a world without cancer.”

Time: Thursday, July 16, 2020 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Facebook Live, Cancer.org, YouTube

Shannen Doherty Moderates Panel of Survivors

In her first public event since announcing her breast cancer had returned, beloved actress Shannen Doherty is sitting down with others who have battled cancer for an intimate conversation about life, strength, and what it means to be a cancer survivor.

“When I found out earlier this year that my breast cancer returned, it devastated me,” said survivor and Share The Light roundtable moderator Shannen Doherty. “But like so many survivors that pick themselves up, I am grateful and soaking up the opportunity to keep fighting and using my voice and my journey to inspire others to just keep going.”

Celebrity Performances & Guests

Musical performances will include Grammy award winning performers Vince Gill and Kirk Franklin along with vocal powerhouse Pia Toscano, T-Pain, and the Super Bowl Celebration of Gospel NFL Players Choir.

The Share The Light live virtual streaming event will also feature appearances by celebrity survivors, caregivers and American Cancer Society supporters and friends, including:

Special guest and musical legend Ms. Patti LaBelle, sportscaster Erin Andrews, actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, Telemundo host Stephanie “Chiquibaby” Himonidis, survivor and jewelry designer Simone I. Smith, Young & the Restless actress Sharon Case, NFL Super Bowl winning siblings Jaylen and Sammy Watkins, along with many more who have gathered to Share The Light for cancer survivors and the American Cancer Society.

Cancer Patients Are More Vulnerable than Ever

COVID-19 has upended our lives and uniquely challenged cancer survivors. Despite COVID-19, cancer hasn’t stopped. In fact, in 2020, more than 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. 1 in 3 Americans will get cancer in their lifetime. This is especially true for Black and Latino communities who navigate vast health disparities and worse cancer outcomes. The American Cancer Society’s groundbreaking research, education, and prevention measures have helped lower the risks of cancer, but those measures are at risk.

The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) work has never been more important. A cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging experiences in life, under normal circumstances. Coping with cancer during a global health crisis poses even more challenges, stress, and anxiety.

“Since March, Americans and health centers have been urged to delay routine cancer screenings. As a result, screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer are down between 86% and 94%. Studies estimate that reduced screenings, as well as delayed surgeries, failure to complete chemotherapy treatments and more, will result in nearly 34,000 excess cancer deaths due to issues caused by COVID-19,” says Tswana Sewell, executive director for the American Cancer Society in the Greater Baltimore and Washington DC region.

“The American Cancer Society continues to provide live support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through its 1-800-227-2345 helpline. With delayed cancer screenings, treatment and surgeries, it is critical for the American Cancer Society to continue to provide lifesaving services so that cancer patients have the best chance for survival.”

The American Cancer Society invites members of the press to share this story with their audiences – and to tune in for this special evening. Learn more about this campaign and how to help at www.cancer.org/sharethelight.