Have you been affected by colon cancer and want to help us crush this disease? Whether you’d like to go big or want to start small, there’s so much one person can do and it’s easy to get involved – and the months leading up to March are the perfect time to get started! We need your help; become a volunteer in our Community Outreach Volunteer Program and help us knock colon cancer out of the top three cancer killers for good! Check out the opportunities.
- Dress In Blue Day - Our National Dress in Blue Day takes place on the first Friday in March and kicks off the month as National Colon Cancer Month every year. The program is designed to promote awareness of colon cancer, encourage people to get their colon checked and ultimately, to put an end to this often preventable disease. Fundraising from Dress in Blue Day activities will directly benefit our mission and screening, patient support and research programs.
- Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk - Grab your kids, grab your dog, but leave your pants at home. Run in your undies at the Colon Cancer Alliance’s signature Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk, an event that gets people talking about colon cancer.
- National Colon Cancer Awareness Month - In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it’s grown to be a rallying point for the colon cancer community.
- Host a fundraiser - In the fight against colon cancer, every dollar counts. 85 cents of every dollar goes toward our research, screening and patient support programs, like our Blue Note Fund patient grant program, Blue Hope Research Award and soon-to-launch Screening Assistance and Patient Navigator programs, to name a few. Bowling, home parties, bike-a-thons and races are just a few ideas. You can brainstorm your own fundraiser and don’t forget to check out our Fundraiser Toolkit!
- Buddy Program - Our Buddy Program provides peer-to-peer support from those who have been there to new colon cancer patients and caregivers. Buddies are there to listen, offer support and share their experiences. Buddies are matched based on stage of diagnosis, age, gender and primary concerns.
- My CCA Support - Through our My CCA Support Online Community you will be able to connect with thousands of others from across the world who are sharing similar circumstances. Provide and receive peer support in our daily chats, discussion forum or personal pages. Give back by giving your time!
- Advocate - You can help ensure that colon cancer stays on our nation’s agenda by becoming an advocate. In the past ten years, radical developments in drugs and chemotherapy agents have emerged. Despite this progress, there are still barriers to screening and many people lack access to effective treatment and care. Take a stand a make a difference for thousands of Americans!
- Turn your state blue - Contact your Governor and ask them to sign a proclamation. We want to see all 50 states recognize March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Check out the step-by-step guide, sample proclamation and easy-to-use resources.
- Exhibit for the Colon Cancer Alliance at a local health fair or trade show.
- Host an awareness presentation at your work place or health event.
Interested? Contact Nancy Butterfield, Volunteer Engagement & Exhibit Coordinator, at (202) 628-0123 for more information and join the Colon Cancer Alliance family. We can't wait to work with you!