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2018 Team Colon Cancer Challenge TCS NYC Marathoners Rock!

Congratulations to the members of Team Colon Cancer Challenge who conquered the TCS NYC Marathon this year! We are so grateful for the incredible spirit and fundraising efforts put forth by this team. Together, our team blazed past our fundraising goal to surpass $107,000! And every single member crossed the finish line on November 4.

On Marathon Eve, CCF hosted a team dinner at Covina. It was a wonderful evening of conversation and carbohydrates. Team members got the chance to meet each other and connect with CCF staff and our founder, Dr. Thomas Weber. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend!

Our international team came together from Hong Kong, Paris, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and other corners of the country and the world – including, of course, NYC. This diverse group of runners comprised a colorectal cancer surgeon, children of survivors, and other relatives and caregivers of survivors and those who lost their fight. Hearing our runners’ stories (check them out on our Crowdrise site) reminds us all that we are a long way from the finish line in the battle against colorectal cancer. But we cannot let ourselves hit the wall at mile 20. We must keep going.

Events like the NYC Marathon are critical to achieving our annual fundraising goals so we are able to continue such important initiatives as our Annual Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer Summit. Through the Summit we are able to support and share the latest research into the causes and treatment of colorectal cancer. We WILL get to the bottom of this (so to speak) and we are proud to have such incredible athletes and advocates on our side.

Interested in joining Team Colon Cancer Challenge? Check out our events page for information about the 2019 NYC Half Marathon, as well as other upcoming events. Like to spin? Join us and our Young Leadership Board on December 2 for the Ride for Research at Swerve!

Many thanks again to our incredible 2018 TCS NYC Marathon team. We hope you enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving feast this year!

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In Celebration of Survivor Moms

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we are humbled to share the stories of some of the incredible moms in our survivor community.

Too many women – mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers – are being diagnosed with this disease, and not all stories end in survivorship. Colorectal cancer does not discriminate. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. This year alone will witness approximately 70,000 newly diagnosed cases of colon and rectal cancers in women. And the number of these cases in both women and men under age 50 is growing.

Women who are in the prime years of motherhood are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a rate that is increasing every year. Through our Annual Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer Summit, we are working with the world’s leading researchers and physicians to combat this alarming trend. But there is so much more work to be done.

In anticipation of Mother’s Day this year, we hope you will read Gina’s inspiring story below and consider a donation – in honor of Gina or in honor or someone you know and love who has been affected by this terrible disease. Together we can ensure that Mother’s Day remains a happy holiday for generations to come.

Here is Gina’s story of how her battle with colon cancer has shifted her perspective on motherhood.

GINA NERI

Gina Neri, stage 3b colon cancer survivor and mother of three

Gina’s children: Aiden, Dylan, and Gianna Hope

I was diagnosed with Stage 3b colon cancer at the age of 39.  I was feeling great but bled rectally once and presented to my doctor to get checked out.  That week, I learned I was pregnant with my third child and that I had colon cancer.  It was the scariest week of my life.  The first thought that crossed my mind was if I die, my children will have to grow up without a mother.  It was devastating to think I wouldn’t be there for them and that they would be hurt and sad.   I didn’t think I could love my children any more, until I was diagnosed with colon cancer.  My love grew from the second I was diagnosed and every day during my battle.  The love I had for my children gave me strength to fight and to live another day.  I cherished my children before I was diagnosed with colon cancer, but my love and bond is so much greater now!   

I am a stronger person and mother now.  Being a survivor gave me a better appreciation for life and more perspective on what’s really important in life.  
To make a donation in honor of Gina or a spectacular survivor in your life, click here.
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