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The Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (ECAA) is an organization dedicated to providing outreach for esophageal cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors; to increase public awareness of this disease, and to provide education and information in a supportive environment. The ECAA is a purely volunteer group with unpaid officers.

History
In early 2001, about two dozen members of the ″EC-Group″ mailing list on the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) website began exploring ways to help esophageal cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers deal more effectively with the uncertainties of this disease and its consequences. By Fall 2001, they had created ″The projECt″ to help each other obtain and organize available information.

In February, 2002 they had developed a mission statement and began formalizing the organization. They prepared bylaws for a not-for-profit corporation registered in New York State. "The projECt″" was to become the ECAA.

The Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (ECAA) was formed at its first annual meeting in Philadelphia on July 28, 2002. In June, 2004, the ECAA received IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Mission Statement
″The ECAA is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing outreach for esophageal cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. We strive to increase public awareness of this disease and to provide education and information in a supportive environment.″

Outreach
Esophageal cancer is not a well-known disease and, once diagnosed, many patients and their families are avid for information and support. The major source of outreach and support is provided by a network of ECAA Regional Contacts. These are members that have volunteered to have their contact details published in order that new patients and their loved ones can talk to someone that has been affected.

Awareness
To promote awareness of esophageal cancer, the ECAA produces informational and educational publications and sells merchandise that promotes the association. Some active members organize meetings and fund-raisers, volunteer at hospitals, and help to develop public awareness radio and TV broadcasts.

Advocacy
The ECAA and its members have promoted advocacy efforts across multiple states and on a national level in the United States. The board of the ECAA has fostered national support and, on May 11, 2010, Congressman Bill Posey brought forth legislation in the United States House of Representatives to name April "Esophageal Cancer Awareness" month.

Funding
The ECAA is funded solely from membership fees, merchandise sales, and individual donations and bequests. Outgoings include production costs for merchandise and promotional material, postage costs, legal fees, and donations to esophageal cancer research centers.

Membership
Membership in the ECAA is open to anyone affected by this disease - patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, friends.