CBS, NBC and ABC will air a one-hour simultaneous show to raise money for cancer related research. The fundraising initiative entitled ’Stand Up to Cancer’ will take place on all three networks on September 5.

The initiative comes from Katie Couric, the anchor of the ‘CBS Evening News,’ whose husband and one of her sisters have died of cancer. The idea of airing an event dedicated to raising money to help scientists find cures for the disease apparently emerged while Ms. Couric was still with the NBC.

The special show will feature live performances from recording artists as well as movie stars who will give insights on what is going on with potentially life-saving research related to cancer. The show will be hosted by the news anchors of each of the three televisions: Katie Couric for CBS, Brian Williams for NBC, and Charles Gibson for ABC.

Studies have shown that cancer is the second most common disease responsible for deaths in the United States. Katie Couric’s rivals from the other two broadcasting companies have also had family members that have died because of the disease.

The three networks have made similar shows in the past, like the one helping the victims of the Katrina Huricane, but this is going to be the first one that will not come after a national disaster.

“It just seemed like a great opportunity to reach out to the whole national community and say we need to galvanize the country,” said Ms Couric, quoted by the New York Times.

The money that will be raised will be distributed by the American Association for Cancer Research to two study areas: the translation of scientific discoveries to actual cures and out-of-the-box treatment developing.