Press Releases

April 4, 2011

The Colon Cancer Alliance Awards more than $31,000 in Blue Note Fund Financial Grants to Assist Colon Cancer Patients with Medical Expenses

Washington, DC (April 4, 2011) – The Colon Cancer Alliance today announced that it awarded more than $31,000 to 104 families from its Blue Note Fund, a program designed to provide financial support for colon cancer patients in need.  The Blue Note Fund is a collaborative effort between the CCA and Grammy nominated producer/artist/musician and Colon Cancer Alliance board member Charlie Kelley.

Charlie Kelley was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40 and is all too aware of the financial burden that accompanies cancer.  "When you're fighting cancer, the last thing you want to think about is a bill you can't pay,” commented Kelley.  "The Blue Note Fund is designed to help those in need today with some of those bills. Hopefully, once back on their feet, recipients can contribute back into the fund and help someone else tomorrow."

“Families from all over the country who are facing financial hardship due to cancer treatment have sent in applications for aid,” said Martha Raymond, stage 3 colon cancer survivor, CCA Voices volunteer and Blue Note Fund Screening Committee Member.  “Their stories have truly touched my heart. Realizing that we can make a positive and immediate difference in their everyday lives is an extraordinary thing.”

The Blue Note Fund is sorely needed.  Today, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is estimated that 142,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Through recommended screenings, this cancer can be caught early when treatment is most effective — or even prevented altogether when pre-cancerous polyps are detected and removed.

“The Blue Note Fund was developed late last year to give people suffering with colon cancer some monetary relief to help pay their medical bills,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “We received generous donations from the public and an additional $36,000 was raised through our Stars Go Blue benefit concert!  Our goal is to continue growing this fund so that we can provide some financial relief to a greater number of applicants.”

The fund is named after a musical term, as well as the official color of colon cancer awareness.  "To see this fund go from being a dream of mine to a national program is a testament to the caring spirit of the staff and volunteers at the CCA. We're all very excited that these funds are making their way into the lives of those in need."

The CCA urges the general public to visit www.bluenotefund.org and donate to support colon cancer patients in need of financial assistance.
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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across the United States.

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