Spotlight On: Fight Colorectal Cancer
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In 1996, Nancy Roach’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer. As her primary caregiver, Roach helped her mother-in-law navigate her diagnosis and treatment, and quickly discovered how difficult it was to find a supportive cancer community for those diagnosed with the disease and their families.
Just three years later, Roach joined a group of other cancer survivors and caregivers to create the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the first and largest colorectal cancer nonprofit in the nation, in 1999. Through the organization, Roach got a chance to not only work with others affected by the disease, but also connect with scientists and policymakers, and she soon realized the important role that advocacy and research can play.
Roach ultimately founded Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) in 2005, an organization dedicated to advocating for those diagnosed with the disease by targeting policy and lawmakers to increase funding for colorectal cancer research and make screening and treatment more available.
“[Roach] really wanted to focus on advocacy, and getting into the office of policymakers,” says Elizabeth Jordan, the deputy director of media relations for Fight CRC.
Today, Fight CRC brings together colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones to receive advocacy training, which involves learning about the disease and the latest research. On top of their advocacy work, Fight CRC also offers community support and several educational patient resources on their website.
Their Goal
Fight CRC’s mission to increase funding for colorectal cancer research along with accessible screening and treatment options is in service to a larger goal: to one day cure the disease. The organization’s advocates make personal contact with both researchers and policymakers to share their patient experience.
“Our focus is making sure that advocates’ voices are heard [by policy and lawmakers],” Jordan says. “It’s our belief that when [those] leaders hear from those impacted, that’s when their decisions are made. We’ve seen real change happening when survivors share their stories with lawmakers.”
Services They Provide
To support people with colorectal cancer and their families, Fight CRC offers three virtual meetups a month. “These meetups are a safe place for people to come and share their stories, get advice, and have camaraderie with each other,” Jordan says.
Their website offers an extensive collection of free, medically reviewed colorectal cancer information and webinars, covering different stages and topics within the disease. Fight CRC sends resources to oncology providers all over the country so they can offer easy-to-understand educational materials to their patients, including in Spanish and Chinese.
Events
Every year, Fight CRC hosts their Call-on Congress event, which brings hundreds of survivors and their loved ones together in Washington, DC. The agenda includes meeting with congressional members, gathering with fellow advocates, and planting thousands of blue flags on the National Mall to spread awareness.
Fight CRC trains participants through their Research Advocacy Training and Support Program on how to speak to lawmakers and advocate for research funding. These advocates also consult with researchers, sharing their experiences and perspectives as patients.
“These programs will increase research, and hopefully help support more treatment options for those with colorectal cancer,” Jordan says.
Core Belief
Fight CRC believes a cure for colorectal cancer is possible through advocacy, research, and patient support. “We’re a small nonprofit, but we’re able to do big things because of our dedicated advocates,” Jordan says.
Their committed team of staff and volunteers fights passionately against colorectal cancer, Jordan says. “We’re known for being loud, and involved, and sometimes even a little feisty, to make our voices heard.”
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