Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in America, affecting over 140,000 every year, yet it is also one of the most treatable if detected early. That’s why it is the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s mission to “empower a nation of allies” to provide support to the patients, families, caregivers, and survivors of colorectal cancer; to raise awareness of preventative measures; and to inspire efforts to fund critical research.
This March, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will honor the 18th National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month since February 2000 when it was first officially dedicated as such. The month will be full of fundraisers, educational events, awareness campaigns, and a lot of blue. If you are interested in becoming an ally or in showing your support, here are some things you can do to help.
Volunteer: As a volunteer, you will be able to use your voice to raise awareness about the severity of colorectal cancer and the importance of early screenings. With the support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, you will be able to serve as a liaison to the national office, or you can stay local and lead colon cancer-fighting efforts in your community. Volunteers often participate in the Undy RunWalks and in health booth fairs; colorectal cancer survivors are encouraged to become a Buddy to someone going through the disease.
Donate: By donating, you can quickly support the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's mission. When you donate, you can choose where your money goes (research, an Undy RunWalk participant, the Undy Walk, or an event). You can also donate in honor of a lost one. When you donate you are funding their mission to end colorectal cancer, spread awareness and prevention education, reach more patients and families, and fund critical research.
Fundraise: March is a big fundraising month and anyone can participate. If you wish to fundraise for colorectal cancer on your own, you can download the Individual Fundraising Toolkit or, if you’d like to fundraise with your workplace or organization, you can download the Organization Fundraising Toolkit.
Dress In Blue: A simple way you can show your support for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is by wearing all blue on March 2nd. By doing so, you can raise awareness yourself and honor those who have survived or are currently battling colorectal cancer.
Join The March: All around the country, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will be honoring the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by hosting Undy RunWalks. These family-friendly run/walks are dedicated to knocking out colon cancer and to honoring those impacted by the disease. Funds raised by the walk support both local and national colon cancer prevention, research, and patient support programs. While the Tampa Undy RunWalk has already happened, they are still accepting donations!
Life changes when you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer. It can be especially frightening when it is colorectal cancer, but it does not mean that the fight is over. By joining the fight against colorectal cancer you not only empower yourself and others who are struggling with colorectal cancer, you also get to meet those who have survived it. Being an ally doesn’t take a lot — whether it’s a donation or wearing blue on March 2nd, you’re making a difference.