ccalliance Sign Up Information

Ava, be the ONE to inspire hope on #GivingTuesday.

#GivingTuesday, the international day of giving, is Tuesday, December 1. Explore all the ways to join your allies for one day of giving to support the Alliance's Care During COVID-19 Fund.

On #GivingTuesday, your Facebook fundraiser or donation can help to: 

• Reverse the decline in preventive screenings caused by the pandemic to stop this disease before it starts or advances.
• Support more patients who are navigating this disease during a global health crisis when and how they need it.
• Accelerate research to ultimately find a cure for colorectal cancer. 

Two ways to get involved today:

Dear Ava,

When my mom was going through treatment for colorectal cancer, my dad went to almost every appointment. For them, chemotherapy was a "date," an important time spent together. I'm glad my dad was there for her during the most challenging moments of her life.

Those memories stand in contrast to the reality patients and their caregivers are struggling with today. Because of the pandemic, patients are going to screenings, surgeries, treatments, and appointments alone. The isolation continues at home for many immunocompromised patients and their families. 

While I can't predict what will happen in the coming months, I can assure you of one thing: We will always be here to listen to you, support you, and - when it's safe - give you a hug or a high-five. 

Until then, here are some safe options for connecting with us, whether you need to talk, are struggling to find an answer, or could just use a little encouragement:

• Toll-free Helpline (You call, we listen.)
• Online group support chat (Jump in and say hi - we're all friends.)
• Blue Hope Nation Facebook community (It's not just a group, it's a family.)

And finally, to the person who never asks for help, but deep down knows they need it: Please, reach out. We would love nothing more than to hear from you. You are important to us. 

Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

The Most Important Night of the Year

Dear Ava,

Colorectal cancer was already too prevalent, already life-changing, already deadly. Then COVID-19 came and caused screenings to drop-off and patient anxiety and isolation to skyrocket. Research efforts also came to a screeching halt.

It will take a huge effort to reverse the pandemic's effects on our community. Colorectal cancer won't wait for COVID-19, and neither will we. That's why we've reimagined the annual Blue Hope Bash, transforming it into an online fundraising gala for all to end this disease.

Please join me on October 24 for the national Blue Hope Bash: One Need, One Night, One Nation - it's the most important night of the year for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers who need our support. 

The Bash will include celebrity appearances, inspirational stories, world-class entertainment, and live views into watch parties - all of it emceed by NBC News anchor Craig Melvin, whose brother is currently navigating stage IV colorectal cancer. 

Every penny raised at the Bash will support allies who are facing colorectal cancer during this health crisis, enhance access to screening, and help the Alliance fund more research to ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease.

You can watch the hour-long program from anywhere, at no cost. The most important thing is that you are there. On October 24, we will be one.

Please register here, and thank you for your support!

??????Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza,
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Good morning Ava,

During yesterday's #GivingTuesday, we raised $88,970 for life-saving programs to screen, care, and cure colorectal cancer. And, thanks to the generosity of our donor community, we were able to take full advantage of a $25,000 matching gift from supporters Kim Harris and Scott Weiner, bringing our total fundraising to $113,970.

WOW! This is a wonderful step forward in our mission to end this disease, but we need to keep going to meet our overall $125,000 fundraising goal for #GivingTuesday. There is still time to donate today to help us accomplish this for our colorectal cancer community.

With these funds, we can:

• Reverse the decline in preventive screenings caused by the pandemic to stop this disease before it starts or advances
• Support more patients who are navigating this disease during a global health crisis when and how they need it
• Accelerate research to ultimately find a cure for colorectal cancer. 

Your donation today will be counted toward our #GivingTuesday fundraising goals. Let's inspire our nation of allies by showing them the support they need during this challenging time!

Dear Ava,

In 9 days, we'll come to the biggest and most important night of the year - The Blue Hope Bash: One Need, One Night, One Nation. Streaming live across the country, the Bash will unite us for inspiration, community, entertainment, and hope, all in the name of advancing the mission of the Alliance.

This is a can't-miss event for all who want to end colorectal cancer. Please join us! 

BLUE HOPE BASH
October 24, 2020
8 pm EST
Streaming Live?????

REGISTER FOR FREE

With funds raised at the Bash, we will:

• Reverse the decline in preventive screenings caused by the pandemic.
• Support more patients who are navigating this disease during a global health crisis.
• Fund more research to ultimately find a cure for colorectal cancer. 

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has saved thousands of lives through screening, supporting patients and families, and investing in critical research. With your participation, we can save thousands more.

Katie Couric and Ruth Carter to Appear

Katie Couric, the journalist and co-founder of Stand Up to Cancer, will share her personal connection to colorectal cancer and a call to increase screening among Black Americans at the Blue Hope Bash. In 2000, Couric aired her colonoscopy on live TV, a pioneering act of service that precipitated a sustained, national increase in colorectal cancer screenings.

Ruth Carter, the Academy Award-winning costume designer whose fabrications shined in acclaimed films, including the Black Panther, will discuss her friendship and work with the late Chadwick Boseman, who died from colorectal cancer in August at age 43.

Katie and Ruth will join our emcee, NBC News anchor Craig Melvin, for an unforgettable virtual experience to benefit patients, survivors, and caregivers. Will you join them?

REGISTER

Win a Legendary Watch

Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a "No Date" design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker's classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. 

Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. 

Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's life-saving programs.

RESERVE TICKET

Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza

• Identify the unique characteristics of a tumor
• Determine the most effective treatment plan
• Avoid treatments that may not work or cause harm

Dear Ava,

Chadwick Boseman was a cultural icon and movie star. To many, he was a superhero. And last Friday evening, when news of his death from colon cancer began to spread, millions who had never heard of this disease came face-to-face with it.

On Google, "colon cancer" was searched more times than at any point on record. Cued by intense public interest, media started to report on the disease like never before. Our response was shared widely, and I completed a dozen interviews about the disease on Monday alone. 

Our messages that colorectal cancer awareness is hampered by a strong stigma, people need to talk about family history of the disease, and young people are being diagnosed at increasing rates appeared in media outlets including Newsweek, USA Today, and on the TODAY Show. 

However, the news cycle moves fast. Already, interest in colorectal cancer inspired by Chadwick's passing is returning to normal levels. Undoubtedly, Chadwick's death inspired screenings, which will save lives. But each of us has the power to make our own impact. We must keep the conversation going. 

Here's what you can do:

• Reach out to people to make sure they know the symptoms and get screened.
• Get informed, download and share resources.
• Spread the word, follow us and reshare information from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 
• Raise funds for prevention, programs, and research - set up your own DIY fundraiser or start a Facebook fundraiser.

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance will continue our relentless work to screen, care, and cure this disease. We are taking on colorectal cancer in many ways, including: 

• Launching a national screening public awareness campaign directed at the general public and primary care physicians with a significant focus on black and brown communities.
• Developing the first-ever central colorectal cancer screening navigation tool that can fully integrate with health systems across the country.
• Coordinating a significant public relations effort to get the word out about changing the screening disparities for both black and brown communities, as well as people under the age of 50.
• Funding a health disparities research grant through the Chris4Life Research Program.

But we can't do it alone. To end this disease in our lifetime, we need you - our nation of allies - to help. Please keep the conversation going. 

Thank you for standing by our side. We will always stand by yours. 

Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Dear Ava,

On March 9, we announced the Walk to End Colon Cancer, a fundraising event series that empowers a nation of allies to walk together and raise money to screen, care, and cure colorectal cancer. But by March 13, the Alliance's offices were closed due to COVID-19 and the reality of the coming months came into focus. 

Also in March, we were set to hold our last Undy RunWalk in St. Louis and the annual DC ScopeItOut 5K here. To ensure everyone's safety, we combined the events virtually under the name ScopeItIn. The live broadcast was a fun, new way to engage our community and raise funds to end colorectal cancer.

In the months that followed, we tried new online ideas for our Walks in Chicago and Buffalo. We struggled to realize the power of in-person events in an online format, but gracious allies in those cities stepped up to do what they could and inspire giving.

Our fundraising events are critical components in our mission to end this disease in our lifetime, and we are dedicated to ensuring COVID-19 does not diminish our important work. We were hopeful that we could hold in-person events, but we know now that this is more promising for 2021. 

As such, we've taken a new route for our Walk to End Colon Cancer that combines fundraising and walking in our own neighborhoods with a drive-through victory lap that will bring our community together in a safe and physically distanced way. 

I encourage you to take part in these events, no matter where you live. Together, we will overcome our current adversity and become stronger than we've ever been. Sign up here:

Detroit
Philadelphia
Cleveland*
Jersey Shore
Portland
Atlanta
Denver
Dallas/Forth-Worth
Phoenix

In the face of a global pandemic, I've seen our community's incredible adaptability and dedication to the cause. In many ways, the pandemic has shown that our community, our nation of allies, is stronger than we ever imagined. In the months ahead, there will be additional important calls to action - I know you will take part. Tomorrow can't wait.        

Thank you for being with us,

Michael Sapienza,
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

*Cleveland will not have a victory lap.

Dear Ava,

This month we released our Never Too Young Survey Report, which tracks the experiences of young-onset colorectal cancer patients and survivors. Patients are considered to have young-onset CRC if they are diagnosed before the age of 50. The report is based on data collected in our 2019 survey.

Key findings include:

• 49% indicated they had no knowledge about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer before their diagnosis.
• 75% of patients and survivors reported they saw at least two different physicians, and 36% were seen by three or more physicians, before receiving a correct diagnosis.
• 40% of patients and survivors expressed that their providers dismissed their symptoms and concerns.
• Younger patients diagnosed between the ages of 19-39 were more likely to report that their concerns were dismissed by their doctors.

The report includes so much more, and I encourage you to download and share this important resource for ending colorectal cancer in our lifetime.

The report is receiving extra attention this year due to our partnership with our newest honorary Never Too Young Advisory Board member, Trey Mancini. Trey is an outfielder with the Baltimore Orioles and was recently diagnosed with stage-III colorectal cancer at age 28.

He and I will hold a Facebook Live conversation about his diagnosis, treatment, and baseball on Monday, June 29. You can respond "going" on Facebook to receive an alert when we go live at 4 pm, which will give you an opportunity to participate. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

• Soda and alcohol consumption 
• BMI
• Smoking habits
• Eating habits
• Physical activity 

• Awareness of clinical trials
• Biomarker testing
• Mental health
• Sexual health and fertility
• Finances

??????Dear Ava,

This morning, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft recommendation to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer to 45 years old for average-risk individuals.

For far too long, young people have been dying of this devastating disease, and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance enthusiastically applauds this significant step forward in the mission to end colorectal cancer in our lifetime. This life-saving progress shows the power of your voice and your story. If you or a loved one has struggled with young-onset colorectal cancer, you know that this is a huge victory. 

A group of colorectal cancer organizations, including the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and Colon Cancer Coalition, are encouraging allies and advocates to show their appreciation by signing this letter of support and requesting the draft guidelines become final.

Because this is a draft recommendation, it still has the potential to change, however unlikely. This is why showing your support is important. Click here to read our full statement on the draft recommendation.

This is not the end of the road for colorectal cancer prevention - in fact, this is far from it. Many people are diagnosed before the age of 45. But today's draft recommendation by the USPSTF signals a change in the understanding of this disease and what needs to be done to eradicate it.  

Thank you,

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

P.S. Use this graphic and the hashtag #ScreenAt45 on social to join us in supporting this recommendation!

Our vision is a world free of colorectal cancer. 

Here's how we will make an impact: 

1. A comprehensive marketing campaign will alert the public to the risk of CRC and the necessity of life-saving screening, which can be conducted safely during the pandemic.
    
2. Expanded patient navigation, including a new website, that guides individuals to open screening sites and personalized support in choosing a screening method.

Always together, never apart.
Maybe in distance, but never in heart.
- Anonymous

Dear Ava,

The Alliance established the Care During COVID-19 Fund earlier this year in response to the global health crisis, which continues to affect the health and well-being of our patient, survivor, and caregiver community. In the last nine months, we've been there for allies on the phone and online more than 85,000 times.

As hope and answers have been difficult to come by, people have turned to the Alliance in record numbers this year. We've not only continued providing the services allies need most, but we've expanded them to address pandemic-related needs.

I'm especially proud of our community, our nation of allies, which has come together in support of one another. Recognizing the need posed by this global health crisis, people like you have given generously to the Care During COVID-19 Fund with donations totaling $779,147. Your contributions have allowed us to provide the following services since March:

• Supported 13,899 constituents through our Helpline and navigation programs
• Processed 2,311 financial assistance applications
• Hosted 4,046 people in virtual chats and facilitated more than 124,306 comments in our online communities.
• Made possible COVID testing for 88 individuals receiving a colonoscopy via the Screening Assistance Program. 
• Navigated 283 patients seeking potential life-saving options via the Clinical Trial Finder.

Dear Ava,

• Totally searchable discussions in groups focused by experience and interest
• A profile where you can share your story
• A new hub for volunteer service
• Opportunities for leadership and recognition to inspire other allies into action

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Thank you for being there for a community in need.

Sincerely,

Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance