ABC will join in hour long commercial-free spectacle of the third edition of Stand Up to Cancer

(WXYZ) - ABC will join numerous other networks in broadcasting the third edition of “Stand Up to Cancer” (SU2C) live on Sept. 7.

ABC, as well as its CBS, FOX and NBC competitors will unite to commit one hour of national commercial-free coverage to the fundraising special that is being held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Calif.

The event is held to raise awareness for groundbreaking cancer research to combat cancer related diseases that nearly eight million people worldwide die from each year. Officials say a third of women and half of the men in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

“This broadcast has become a global call-to-action for all those touched by cancer,” said Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow. “Like so many people, I know what it’s like to lose a family member to this disease, and I’m honored to stand up in my father’s memory.”

Paltrow will join Emmy award winner Joel Gallen as executive producers of the awareness spectacle. Former executive producer Laura Ziskin lost her seven year fight with breast cancer in June of 2011. She was a legendary film producer, whose credits included the Spider-Man series. She was also the first woman to produce the Academy Awards telecast alone in 2002 and again in 2007.

SU2C will feature performances with moving and thought provoking stories from top recording artists, film, television, and sports celebrities.

“Music and its ability to heal, unite, and motivate people will play a central role in this year’s show, as will the stories of people affected by cancer and how SU2C is changing their lives,” said Joel Gallen.

Coming off of two fundraising telecasts in 2008 and 2010, SU2C will provide a way for viewers to donate to cancer research via text-to-give and at standup2cancer.org .

Viewers will also be able to interact with participating talent through a celebrity phone/multi-media bank.

SU2C will be televised on Friday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. on WXYZ-TV.