Stand up when everybody else sits down. Stand up when it's easier to turn away. Stand up for everyone who can't rise anymore.

So reads in part the manifesto of Stand Up To Cancer, a charitable services fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that urges the public to stop waiting for things to change on their own, and start investing in scientists and clinicians conducting breakthrough cancer research.

There are many ways to support the work of Stand Up To Cancer. First, you can make a direct donation online, by land line or mobile phone, or by mail. You can also share your story of a personal connection to cancer via Stand Up To Cancer's online community, add a star to the Constellation in the name of anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis, or raise money for cancer research as part of a fundraising team.

And on Friday, September 5, NBC, ABC, and CBS will donate one hour of simultaneous commercial-free prime time programming to an historic fundraising event aimed at rallying the public around the goal of ending cancer's reign as a leading cause of death. The special will feature stars from film and television in performances and presentations that offer insight into the disease and the work of Stand Up To Cancer.