Press Releases

October 5, 2010

Colon Cancer Alliance and Grammy Nominee Create Blue Note Fund

New Fund Strikes a Chord with Patients to Fight High Cost of Medical Care

Washington, DC (October 5, 2010) – The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) today announced the creation of the Blue Note Fund, a program designed to provide financial support for colon cancer patients in need. The fund is a collaborative effort with Grammy nominated producer/artist and national CCA board member Charlie Kelley.  

After a colon cancer diagnosis at age 40, Kelley was 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,” says Kelley. “I knew I needed to find a way to help others who were going through this."

The fund is named after a musical term, as well as the official color of colon cancer awareness. "A blue note is associated with soul,” says Kelley. “Most musicians and singers will slide in and around these notes to create emotion and cancer certainly is an emotional roller coaster!" 

“The Blue Note Fund couldn’t come at a better time,” said Andrew Spiegel, chief executive officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “During these tough economic times, anything that can be done to help people pay their medical bills is a welcomed relief. Today, one in eight people turn down life-saving medications due to the high costs. The Blue Note Fund will provide some monetary relief to these individuals so they can focus on fighting colon cancer without having to worry about how they are going to pay their utility bill or put food on the table.”

The Blue Note Fund will begin accepting applications from colon cancer patients seeking assistance on January 1, 2011. The CCA urges the general public to visit www.bluenotefund.org and donate support of colon cancer patients in need of financial assistance.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates 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. Talking with your doctor about colon cancer is essential to ensuring optimal screening, prevention, early detection, and treatment.

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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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