One Personal Invitation Can Bring a Missing Voice Into the Data

Some of the voices we most need to hear may never see a campaign post.

They may not follow a cancer organization. They may be overwhelmed by treatment, caregiving, work, or family responsibilities. They may not think their experience is important enough to share. They may have told their story before and felt that no one listened.

That is why a personal invitation matters.

When someone receives a survey link from a person they trust, the message is different. It does not simply say, “Here is another campaign.” It says, “I thought of you. Your experience matters. I believe your voice deserves to be counted.”

The 1,000 Voices for Cancer Equity™ Campaign is working to gather the experiences of 1,000 adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers by September 24, World Cancer Research Day. The anonymous survey takes approximately 10–12 minutes and explores access to care, treatment barriers, financial strain, emotional well-being, support, and whether people felt heard.

Although the campaign intentionally centers BIPOC and underserved communities, eligible adults of every race and background are welcome.

Today, we are asking you to personally invite three people to participate. Think of a patient, survivor, or caregiver in your family, workplace, faith community, neighborhood, support network, or organization. Send them the link with a brief personal note:

I’m sharing this because your experience matters. The 1,000 Voices survey is gathering the real experiences of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to help build more equitable cancer care. It is anonymous and takes about 10–12 minutes. I hope you will add your voice.

Then include https://1000voices.unitedcolorsofcancer.org.

Our daily goal is 20 completed surveys. If seven people each invite three eligible participants, we could reach more than a full day’s goal through personal connection alone.

Your invitation can help transform an experience that has remained unseen into data that can inform change. Who are the three people you will invite today?

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