Celebrities pitch support for 'Stand Up to Cancer' 2010 telethon

This is the third time that stars from entertainment, news, and music came together to raise money for new cancer research.

It all began with a massive televised event in 2008. Though, last year's fundraiser was smaller, the 'SU2C 2010' made history on Friday night in front of a worldwide audience.

With the aim to simultaneously entertain, educate and raise money that can help save lives and fight the lethal disease that affects practically everyone, the star-studded fundraiser organized by the Entertainment Industry Foundation was simultaneously broadcast on Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC, as well as shown on cable channels such as E!, VH1, HBO and streamed online on several internet portals.

The hosts of the show are news anchors from three major networks, Diane Sawyer from ABC, Katie Couric from CBS and Brian Williams from NBC.

The co-founder and executive producer of SU2C telecast, [Laura] Ziskin said, “It is important for young people to be aware of the scope of the problem and the odds that they may face, both for their own future and for their loved ones”.

He added, “This piece is about how it is never too soon to take a stand against these devastating and epidemic diseases. Theirs may be the generation that gets us to the finish line. We are so grateful to all the young stars and to Marc Webb and Rich Lee for joining our cause so brilliantly.”

The charitable cause included taped appearances by actor Michael Douglas, who is currently battling throat cancer and actor George Clooney, whose aunt, actress and singer Rosemary Clooney, died from lung cancer in 2002.

Celebrities partaking in the charitable cause
Actresses Marcia Cross and Fran Drescher, sports figures Dorothy Hamill and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, musicians Neil Diamond and Kelly Osbourne all shared stories about how they or their loved ones were affected by cancer.

Others who featured at the show were Lance Armstrong, Fran Drescher, Elizabeth Edwards, Sharon Osbourne and Sofia Vergara.

The Columbian actress Vergara stated, "Well, I think cancer for me was a very hard experience in my life, because I was young and I had my kid. But I think it was also very good, because I changed the way I live my life. I think now I don't sweat the small stuff anymore.

"It makes you realize, it makes you change your priorities in life. So, I was very lucky that I was able to beat it, and I've been in remission for a very long time now. And I learned from it. I learned to live a better way.”

Some others who pitched their support for SU2C
The fundraiser included taped appearances by actor Michael Douglas, who is currently battling throat cancer and actor George Clooney, whose aunt, actress and singer Rosemary Clooney, died from lung cancer in 2002.

The festivities were joined by 'True Blood' star Sam Trammel and 'Brothers and Sisters' stud Dave Annable, Cindy Crawford and cancer survivor Christina Applegate.

Other who pitched in for the charitable cause were Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Sally Field, Laura Linney, Jim Parsons, and cancer survivor Michael C. Hall.

Stevie Wonder paid tribute to his first wife, who died of breast cancer, before joining Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, the Edge, Dave Stewart, Martina McBride and Aaron Neville for a rendition of 'Unchained Melody.'

SU2C, a charitable organization for cancer research
SU2C is a charitable organization dedicated to raising grants for path breaking research for different types of cancers.

The purpose of the group is to bring together scientists from different disciplines across various institutions to work together and develop new therapies for those afflicted with the disease.

Though, the amount of money raised by the Friday night's telethon was not instantly available, the 2008 'Stand Up 2 Cancer' broadcast had collected more than $100 million towards the fight against cancer.

This year, the American Association for Cancer Research will benefit from the donations, as they try to get new treatments off the ground.