Press Releases

Invaluable Colon Cancer Advocates Recognized During National Colon Cancer Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 23, 2011) – Today, the Colon Cancer Alliance announced that it presented awards to colon cancer advocates who have made significant strides in bringing greater awareness to colon cancer and the importance screening plays in helping eradicate the disease.  Award recipients were honored during the Colon Cancer Alliance’s national conference, Family Matters: What Every Family Needs to Know About Colon Cancer, in Denver, Colorado on Thursday, June 23.

“This year’s awards recipients have played a key role in the success of the association and the expansion of our programs,” said Andrew Speigel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance.  “Their passion and drive to bring greater awareness to this serious but preventable disease is unparalleled.”

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Barbara Joyce of Warwick, Rhode Island.  Joyce, a colon cancer survivor, started the association’s Chapter Voices of Rhode Island and serves as a “Buddy” to other individuals living with colon cancer.  As a Buddy, Joyce offers support as well as colon cancer information such as coping with side effects, treatment options, dealing with emotional issues and more.  Joyce gives tirelessly to the Colon Cancer Alliance and to colon cancer patients in need.

Jeannie Moore of Scottsdale, AZ received the Outstanding Service Award for her remarkable efforts of working with colon cancer patients throughout Arizona and the nation.  She is one of the original founders of the Colon Cancer Alliance and serves as a patient support manager as well as overseeing the Buddy peer-to-peer program.  She regularly works with volunteers and provides the association’s Helpline callers with a caring ear. Jeannie’s knowledge of colon cancer and her positive outlook have made her the most beloved member of the Colon Cancer Alliance’s staff by both volunteers and those she helps.

Brian Kothe and Serena Sampat of Denver, CO were recognized with the Best Undy Management Team award.  Brian and Serena have been a leading force in promoting the Colon Cancer Alliance’s Undy 5000 5k run series in Denver.  Going on its 3rd year, Denver’s Undy 5000 is one of the most successful Undy’s in the nation.  In fact, their efforts made this 5k one most successful first year 5k’s in Denver history with more than 1000 participants. Their Undy marketing campaign was recognized by the Colorado Healthcare Communicators as one of the Best Community Relations events of 2009.  In addition, they’ve exceeded $20,000 each year in local sponsorships to help build the association’s national and local patient support and public awareness programs.

The Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Jose Mendoza of Washington, DC.  Dr. Mendoza has taken a key role in spearheading the Colon Cancer Alliance’s Spanish outreach efforts.  He started the Spanish Helpline, was instrumental in launching a Spanish version of the website, and converted existing colon cancer materials to Spanish. In addition, he conducts extensive Spanish outreach to patients and providers in the DC area.  His efforts are having a significant impact on colon cancer education and screening in the Spanish community.

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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 America.

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