Nonprofit Impact: American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 to help educate the public on risk, prevention and treatment of cancer. The organization expanded over the years to include fundraising for cancer research.  

There are two main fundraisers in SWLA every year that help bring in donations for locals facing a cancer battle. One is SWLA Men Wear Pink campaign. Dedicated to raising funds to further breast cancer research and assist breast cancer patients in the five-parish area, the campaign is one of the most successful in the nation. 

Another event is the SWLA Cattle Baron’s Ball, which was initiated in 2025 and supports the ACS. This year’s ball will take place July 25 at L’Auberge Casino Resort. The Western-themed gala will include dancing and an auction. For more information and tickets, visit swla.acscbb.org. 

Katie McCarty Weinnig is the senior executive director of the American Cancer Society for Louisiana and East Texas. She has held her current position for two years but has been involved with the organization for 17 years. Below she details what to know about the local chapter and national nonprofit. 

What is the overall goal of the American Cancer Society? 

To end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 

What are your top three immediate priorities? 

• Recruiting local cancer survivors and caregivers to engage in story-telling opportunities through our initiatives 

• Educating our community on the local impact of the American Cancer Society 

• Recruiting leadership volunteers and growing donor base 

What is the everyday impact you see in the local community stemming from the ACS? 

Our community events give companies and individuals an opportunity to unite toward a goal important to so many—to end cancer. We also provide resources to local patients and families when they receive treatment or a diagnosis. 

What do you wish people knew about your organization that you feel is not understood? 

The impact that research has on local individuals. There is often a misconception that since we are the American Cancer Society, dollars don’t stay local. Almost anyone who has received cancer treatment or a preventative screening has benefited from dollars raised by the ACS. Our funded research has led to the development of: the mammogram, Tamoxifen, Gleevec, HPV vaccines, PSA screenings, and the list goes on. 

In addition to the transportation and lodging grants we annually award to local cancer centers like CHRISTUS Ochsner & Lake Charles Memorial Health, our American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities provide a home away from home for patients and a caregiver when they need to travel away from the area for the treatment plan best for them. Last year alone, over 785 free nights of lodging were provided through this program to patients from SWLA. This saved local families over $200,000 in lodging and travel expenses. 

For more information,visit cancer.org.