Officials share how the Eagles Cancer Telethon benefits cancer research

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Published: Jan. 13, 2025 at 7:22 PM CST
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ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The 71st annual Eagles Cancer Telethon is just days away, and a non-stop 20 hours of entertainment awaits. This event at the Mayo Civic Center will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday with the goal of raising funds for cancer research.

“The people that do these telethon fundraisers are average everyday people that want to do something, and get involved,” Eagles Cancer Telethon Executive Director Brett Carlson said. “It doesn’t matter if you raise $1 or if you raise $250,000. Every dollar helps.”

Funds raised by the telethon stay at home and go toward Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center and the Hormel Institute—a financial support by the community that has been ongoing for the past 71 years.

“It represents the very best in people,” Hormel Institute Director of Development and External Relations Gail Dennison said. “It’s humbling. We are honored that they trust us with the funds that they work so hard to raise.”

Carlson said cancer is something that affects us all and this constant strong support by the community proves everyone’s determination to end fatalities from it.

“Cancer used to be a death sentence a long time ago,” he said. “Now, there are several cancers that are treatable and curable. We are making progress. We just need more time and more support, which is where you come in.”

Carlson and Dennison encourage everyone to come out as every dollar goes to helping someone in need.

“If we really want to prevent and control cancer, come up with new therapies that extend lives, by supporting the telethon, you’re giving a gift to everyone, including yourself,” Dennison said. “We can all come together and work together to produce something really great, and that length of time is something to be really proud of and thankful for.”

Carlson said the Eagles Cancer Telethon is the longest running, locally held telethon in the nation and it’s right in your backyard. Last year’s 70th annual telethon raised $926,331 for cancer research.

Beginning at 8 p.m. on January 18, the telethon can be attended in person at the Mayo Civic Center, watched on broadcast on KTTC, or found on KTTC’s livestream. The event will be live for the full 20 hours.

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