Colorectal Cancer Alliance

"On January 9th, 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC colon cancer after being in the ER with stomach pain on Christmas Day 2022. I had signet ring cell adenocarcinoma which is rare and aggressive. I was in the hospital for two weeks on a liquid diet and had to have an emergency surgery. They removed the right side of my colon after a tumor was found during the colonoscopy. I had an amazing surgeon, oncologist, and medical team, but it was terrifying to say the least. I had a port put in my chest and had 12 rounds of FOLFOX chemotherapy (had to wear a pump for 48 hours after each treatment) from Feb-July all while working full time and managing Myasthenia Gravis. There were many side effects; my hair thinned, and I could only eat certain home cooked foods for the first few months. I finally gained back the 20 pounds I lost and am healthier overall, but I still have constant neuropathy in my feet which causes discomfort at times when I walk. I was officially considered NED in July after having 7 clear ctdna (blood) tests, clear CT scans, and a clear colonoscopy in December. I will be closely monitored every 3 months for at least 2-3 years, if not longer, due to the nature of the cancer I had. I couldn’t have done this without the love of my wonderful husband, Jobez. He is my rock. He prayed over me and took care of me with love, strength, and patience. I am forever grateful. My parents were amazing in support every step of the way, being there for my treatments, and making sure we had home cooked meals. My family stepped up and showed me so much love. I had so many motivational and uplifting conversations, many calls, texts, gifts, food, and support from in-laws, old/new friends, coworkers, and church family. ️️️I am doing so much better now, but will never be the same. Some may think that when treatment is over, everything is normal when it’s far from it. The trauma doesn’t just disappear. I am actively working on healing and peace through prayer, therapy, and staying close to those who truly have my back." - SeAndrea After treatment has completed, colorectal cancer survivors may face physical, emotional, and social issues. While you may be relived to have your treatment completed, adjusting to your "new normal" can take some time. We have useful resources that can help during this phase of recovery. Visit https://lnkd.in/ebfE-yae for resources, or give us a call on our free helpline at (877)-422-2030 (available Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM ET).

Through the service of nearly 2,000 volunteers across the country, the lives of colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers are greatly improved, and we grow closer to ending this disease together. In this Q&A, get to know Abby Bernhardt and Heather Potthast, passionate and dedicated Colorectal Cancer Alliance volunteers from Virginia, and consider becoming one yourself 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6W4G3PY

Getting screened for colon cancer can be as simple as that!📦 Take our screening quiz and learn more about your screening options at quiz.getscreened.org.

"I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in March 2022 at 47 years old, after seeing blood in my stool. I was Stage III — I did 5 Chemo Infusions over 15 weeks, and 25 days of radiation over 5 weeks. This was not easy, and it landed me in the hospital twice. I happily rang the bell signifying the end of treatment. After 2 surgeries in 2023, I was declared NED and I felt like I beat cancer. Well, I guess I didn't. Soon after I was diagnosed as Stage IV. 13 chemo infusions over 26 weeks and another 25 radiation days over 5 weeks is what followed. Now, I wait to see the results. More and more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and that is alarming. It will soon be the deadliest cancer in both men and women. It's crucial for people to know their family history of cancer and even polyps, as that can help get an earlier screening. Knowing the signs of colon cancer, like blood in your stool, is important to get you to a doctor. I ignored it thinking that I had a food allergy. I'm thankful to have the best army of supporters, from my amazing family, incredible friends, and some truly awesome coworkers. I will never stop living my life to the fullest and I will battle this until I can one day say that I'm a survivor. As an advertising and marketing executive, it is now my mission to educate and help others. Please know the signs and get screened. Colorectal cancer is preventable." - Seth T. If you are 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing symptoms... get screened! Take our screening quiz and learn more about your screening options 👉 quiz.getscreened.org

Join colorectal cancer survivors Kim, Allison, and Paul for a discussion about survivorship as we look back on this month's observance! Plus, find out how you can help advance colorectal cancer survivorship.

Unfortunately, 20% of all approved clinical trials never start due to a lack of participation. In response, representatives Ruiz (D-CA) and Bucshon (R-IN) introduced The Clinical Trials Modernization Act (HR 8412). The Alliance is advocating for this legislation, which would help remove major barriers leading to non-participation. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eAtkHAqZ

The Alliance welcomes Oluwadamilola (Dammie) Brown, Senior Vice President of Mission Delivery. Oluwadamilola (Dammie) Brown brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for healthcare to her role as Senior Vice President of Mission Delivery at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. With two decades spent working in patient care, medical affairs and clinical development, Dammie has dedicated her career to enhancing patient care and access to innovative new treatment across the globe. Prior to joining the Alliance, Dammie held significant roles at Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Roche Pharma. At Novartis, she served as an Executive Medical Director, where she led diverse teams in developing and executing clinical and medical strategies for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Her impactful leadership in diversity and inclusion (D&I) earned her the Novartis US CDMA Silver Award for Innovation in Equity and Diversity in Clinical Trials, recognizing her outstanding contributions to enhancing diversity in patient care. At the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Dammie is excited to contribute to the organization’s crucial goals: increasing screening rates, supporting patients and their families, and advancing research to end colorectal cancer. Her role involves integrating these areas seamlessly to maximize impact, driven by a vision of a world where no life is lost to this disease. Dammie's personal connection to the mission and her dedication to service reflect her deep commitment to not just leading with expertise, but with heart. She is motivated by the stories of those she serves, and she strives each day to make a lasting impact in the fight against colorectal cancer. Dammie holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Decision Analysis from the University of Southern California, along with a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband (William), son (Kitan), and their golden retriever (Goldie).

"I RANG THE BELL!!!! I made my way through 8 rounds of chemotherapy over the course of 5 months 🎉 It was a long journey. I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to complete all 8 rounds and was terrified the side effects would wreck me — but they didn’t, I stuck with it even when it got difficult, and I made it through!!! Going through this has made me so appreciative and thankful for my body. All it’s had to go through to keep me going. I thought dealing with chronic pain for 10 years was tough, but dealing with cancer is a different kind of tough. Having your health is absolutely everything. I miss cooking yummy meals and going on 3 mile walks! I miss having the energy to want to take on the day! I don’t say this with sadness but with the realization I already had so much to be thankful for (and even more now). I will get to enjoy those things again one day soon! There is still a difficult road ahead of me but I can’t wait to reach the other side of all this, I am more than determined. My heart is full. I’m so blessed. Thank you all for celebrating this victory with me!!!" - Sierra, diagnosed stage IIB colorectal cancer at age 33 Are you a survivor in need of resources? Visit https://lnkd.in/ebfE-yae

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval for Krazati (adagrasib) in combination with cetuximab as a targeted treatment option for adult patients with KRASG12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who have received prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, according to manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb. Read more about this on our blog 👉 https://lnkd.in/gRF9UYWj

Denver showed up to #WalkLoud with us this weekend!🙌 Thank you to everyone who was able to join us. Thank you to our Walk to End Colon Cancer Presenting National Sponsor, Exact Sciences.