Stand Up to Cancer telethon set for Sept. 5

It's unusual for the three major broadcast networks to agree to show the same program, but a fundraising telethon for cancer research will be so simulcast on Sept. 5.

"Stand Up To Cancer is an unprecedented collaboration uniting the major television networks, entertainment industry executives and celebrities, and prominent leaders in cancer research and patient advocacy in a major new initiative to move groundbreaking cancer research out of the lab and into the clinic," wrote the AACR in a statement on its website.

Cyclist and cancer survivor, Lance Amstrong will join along with Charlize Theron, America Ferrera and Jennifer Aniston among others, the Associated Press reported.

The event will air on ABC, CBS and NBC. It will also include musical presentations, as well as actors, athletes and journalists.

The LA Times reports,

Fox was invited to participate in the cancer telethon but declined. Fox called the telethon worthy but said it was focusing on "the global outreach of 'Idol Gives Back,'" its charity effort tied to its hit singing contest "American Idol."

I recall that a similar fundraiser was done for the victims of the 9/11 attacks.