Denver Nuggets Coach Karl Urges Coloradans to Support Cancer Survivors When Completing Their State Taxes

DENVER, Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver Nuggets Coach George Karl is urging Coloradans to support people living with cancer when they complete their state tax forms. The new Colorado Cancer Fund allows Colorado taxpayers to contribute to the fight against cancer when they file their 2012 state taxes. The Colorado Cancer Fund is the only tax Colorado Checkoff fund that targets cancer.

"You might have heard about my struggle with cancer," says Coach Karl, who had both prostate and throat cancer. His 2010 throat cancer diagnosis led to him missing much of that NBA season. "I was lucky to have the resources to get the best care and support from my employer in that fight. Not everyone is so fortunate, and this fund is for those cancer fighters."

The voluntary Checkoff program aims to increase survival, improve early detection, reduce suffering, and improve the quality of life for Coloradans affected by cancer. The Fund, previously called the Breast and Women's Reproductive Cancers Fund, has a new, expanded mission that allows it to assist persons with any type of cancer.

The Colorado Cancer Fund complements, and does not duplicate, vital cancer services throughout Colorado. Donations to the Fund are used to award competitive grants to partnering organizations that provide assistance to people with cancer.

In his support for the Colorado Cancer Fund, Coach Karl joins legendary broadcaster and cancer survivor Jo Myers, the Fund's official spokesperson. Myers, who has authored a book on the end of life called "Good to Go," was for many years a fixture on the Denver radio scene.

The American Cancer Society estimates that last year in Colorado, 22,800 new cases of cancer were identified. The Society reports that in 2012, about 577,190 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.

The Colorado Cancer Fund is a program of the Colorado Cancer Coalition, which serves as the statewide network for cancer-related organizations and individuals who are dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for all Coloradans. To learn more, visit coloradocancercoalition.org. For information on other Colorado Tax Checkoff funds go to checkoffcolorado.com.

SOURCE Colorado Cancer Fund