We are excited to highlight three of our amazing fundraisers that helped make this Colon Cancer Awareness Month such a huge success. Thank you to everyone who organized and participated in these great fundraisers—we’re so grateful for your dedication!
Going Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness
Having lost her husband, Dr. Henry Smith Cunningham, to colon cancer in 2014 at the young age of 56, Dr. Linda Cunningham at the University of North Texas’ Health Science Center saw March as the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and funds. Dr. Cunningham started a Blue Star Tribute page as an easy way her friends and family could donate in honor of this great man.
But she didn’t stop there! Setting her sights on $5,000, Dr. Cunningham challenged her friends and family to beat this goal with some entertaining awards. When she reached $2,500 in donations, Dr. Cunningham and her student Daniel Martinez Barrera agreed to dye their hair blue and at $5,000 they would shave it off! We are ecstatic to report that Dr. Cunningham easily surpassed her goal with more than $6,500 total donations!
Fundraisers Can Be Scary Fun!
One of the most unique March fundraisers featured an old army fort, a group of excited colon cancer awareness supporters and a few spooky guests.
Cathy Barrett and her crew of paranormal investigators, the Badass Spirit Outlaws, teamed up with the Gary Courtney Cancer Awareness Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance for a frighteningly fun night at the Fort Douglas Military Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 12. Attendees were treated to a tour of the old fort, which dates back to the 1860s, and an investigation into some of the spirits there! Ghost sightings or not, the guests still enjoyed the great raffle prizes provided by the community.
At the end of the night, Cathy and her team, the attendees, and maybe even a few ghosts, all contributed to raising more $800 towards our prevention and awareness efforts. We can’t wait for next year’s event!
Incredible Teamwork by Team Todd
When Jennifer Minckler’s husband Todd was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in fall 2014, she knew her family, friends and community would look for ways to show their support. She also knew funding colon cancer research could help her husband and others like him.
Jennifer started offering “Team Todd” t-shirts that her friends, family and community members could wear to support Todd and raise awareness. In just one month, she’s raised more than $8,000! We are proud to have a partner like Jennifer who cares deeply about advancing our mission. Learn more about Team Todd here.
If you would like to donate to the Colon Cancer Alliance or have an idea for a fundraiser, please contact Alison Ornitz at 202-628-0123 ex. 109. Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.