One of the most iconic phone numbers in pop history is making a comeback. The nonprofit Cancer Support Community (CSC), along with Gilda’s Club and health care partner sites, have turned Tommy Tutone’s radio hit “867-5309/Jenny” into an unforgettable resource for people impacted by cancer. Dialing CSC-867-5309 will now route callers to the nonprofit’s toll-free helpline for cancer support.
“Our helpline receives over 20,000 calls annually from people seeking hope and connection during the times they need it most,” said Cancer Support Community CEO Sally Werner in a press release. “By anchoring CSC-867-5309 into the public consciousness, we’re ensuring that when someone is impacted by cancer, Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Clubs are the first place they turn to.”
The nonprofit Gilda’s Club, named after Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner, who died of cancer, provides free social and emotional support to cancer patients, families and friends. CSC, whose tagline is “Community is stronger than cancer,” is an ally for anyone with a cancer diagnosis.
Tommy Tutone’s hit song “867-5309/Jenny” was released in 1981 and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1982. The catchy tune made the phone number unforgettable.
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“When we recorded ‘867-5309/Jenny,’ none of us imagined that number would still be stuck in people’s heads decades later,” said Tommy Tutone’s lead singer, Tommy Heath. “If that little piece of pop culture can now help someone remember Cancer Support Community’s and Gilda’s Club’s Helpline and connect them to real people, real community and real support, that’s incredibly meaningful to us.”
The campaign’s website, csc8675309.com, reads: “When cancer touches your life, everything can feel overwhelming. In that moment, knowing who to call matters. CSC-867-5309 is now the number you can turn to for support. If you or someone you love is facing cancer, call (272) 867-5309 for support.”
“Cancer can create a lot of uncertainties, so it’s important people have a memorable number to turn to for support,” said Lisa Ireland, executive vice president of external relations at CSC. “The power of this campaign is its simplicity. In the 1980s, Tommy Tutone made ‘867-5309/Jenny’ impossible to forget. Now, we’re channeling that same iconic number to help people remember that cancer support is just a call away.”
If you or someone you know are facing cancer and need support, call CSC-867-5309 for confidential support from specially trained staff.