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The Colon Cancer Foundation Launches the 3000 Squats in November Facebook Challenge

The Colon Cancer Foundation (CCF)’s 3000 Squats in November Facebook challenge kicked off on November 1st, 2021. The month-long squat challenge is the first time we have created  a fitness-focused Facebook fundraiser since the launch of the Colon Cancer Challenge 17 years ago. 

All of CCF’s previous fundraising challenges have been associated with running—whether it was a 5K or a marathon. This one-of-a-kind squat challenge is the first by CCF where everyone, regardless of their physical fitness, can join in. The squat challenge is not as physically intense as our previous 5K or marathon fundraisers. Remember: regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by 40%-50%!

This difference is even more critical given the recently announced colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines changes. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently changed their guidelines for CRC screening. Now all adults at an average risk of developing CRC are recommended to start CRC screening at age 45, instead of 50. Annual stool based screening (FIT or sDNA-FIT) is recommended. Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years. This recent change in recommendation makes our squat challenge even more significant in that we need to get more people active and aware of the risk factors of CRC starting at a younger age.

Here are a few words about the Challenge from our Operations Manager, Marcline St-Germain :

 “I’m feeling hopeful. This is completely different then the challenges we are used to, but it’s good to change things up from time to time and so far it looks like we are getting a good response. For a couple of years now, CCF has conducted birthday fundraisers on Facebook but they are different in that the fundraisers just choose to fundraise for us without us having to reach out to anyone.”

Speaking about the impact of the Facebook challenge, Ms. St-Germain added, “I was surprised to see how many people joined the challenge. The group went from a couple of hundred to over one thousand members in less than a week! That reminded me of how big of a platform Facebook really is.” She is also looking forward to conducting more Facebook challenges in the future because they allow many more people to participate from the comfort of their own homes.

 

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Send in Your Poop, Get a Six Pack in New ‘Give a Crap Challenge’

Colon Cancer Foundation, Squatty Potty & DuClaw Brewing Company are coming together to offer ‘unicorn farts’ beer for getting tested during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

 

March 1, 2021 (New York, NY) – Colorectal cancer is crappy. As the nation’s second-deadliest form of cancer, it kills thousands every year. This March, adults can enjoy a limited-edition glittery beer that can’t be purchased with money, but can only be accessed with their own poop during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The unusual ask is part of the clever ‘Give a Crap Challenge’ hatched by the Colon Cancer Foundation, Squatty Potty and DuClaw Brewing Company with help from Everlywell, CraftShack and Diablo Doughnuts to help the Colon Cancer Foundation reach their goal of providing 10,000 colorectal cancer screenings to underserved communities in 2021.

As a result of signing up, participants will also help to raise awareness for the 75 million people in the U.S. who are 45+ and should be regularly tested for colorectal cancer (and their loved ones who can help to encourage “the talk”).

For 400 eligible participants, it’s as easy as: Click. Squat. Sip. –

  1. Click – Sign up at www.GiveACrapChallenge.com between March 3 – 7 for a chance to participate and receive the screening, Squatty Potty and beer.

(One hundred lucky entrants will be randomly selected from signups to participate at no cost. Another 300 can instantly participate by making an $85 donation.)

  1. Squat – Take your noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test in the privacy of your own home and mail to the lab in the prepaid envelope.
  2. Sip – Enjoy your 6-pack of DuClaw’s ‘Thanks for Giving a Crap’ edition of Sour Me Unicorn Farts glittered sour ale on your doorstep from CraftShack & relish in the fact that you gave a crap today! (You’ll receive secure, personalized results of your screening from to your device.)

“This is us, arms in the air shouting from the rooftops that colorectal cancers are no longer simply an old person’s disease,” said Cindy Borassi, president of the Colon Cancer Foundation. “The fight against the second-leading cause of cancer death among U.S. men and women is serious…and sometimes, the best way to engage people is with a little humor!”

Participants will get exclusive access to the limited-edition pilot batch of this year’s much anticipated Sour Me Unicorn Farts glittered sour ale made with fruity cereal, a trio of fruits, edible glitter plus the addition of graham cracker. The beer will be gifted in 12oz 6-packs. The label will say, ‘Thanks for Giving a [rainbow poop emoji]’ with a blue star for colorectal cancer awareness.

The promotion will run during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, with signups opening up on Wednesday, March 3, on National Colorectal Cancer Screening Day, closing on Sunday, March 7.

Marketing will include a series of short, humorous videos produced by Squatty Potty and feature the brand’s famous rainbow ice cream-pooping unicorn ‘Dookie’ as an employee at DuClaw Brewing Company, getting into all sorts of trouble.

[Squatty Potty is notorious for the 2015 viral video featuring the Prince of Poop and Dookie educating people on the benefits of squatting to eliminate more effectively.]

Additionally, with the help of celebrities and influencers, the campaign will activate a social #GiveACrapChallenge on TikTok and other platforms, where participants can ask a parent or loved one, “When was the last time you pooped?” as a way to encourage “the talk” about getting tested because you “give a crap” about them. Participants can donate any amount by texting CRAP to 512-920-5521. For every $35 contribution, one colorectal cancer screening will be donated to someone in need.

For more on the promotion including restrictions, visit www.GiveACrapChallenge.com. To apply to receive a donation of testing kits to distribute to underserved communities, or to learn more about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.coloncancerfoundation.org.

More about Colorectal Cancer & affected populations:

  • 2nd leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the U.S.
  • Regular testing is recommended for adults 45+.
  • 75M people should be regularly tested, half being underserved and uninsured.
  • African Americans are at high risk, with incidence rates +20%, and death rates +40%.
  • Anyone >45 with symptoms should see their primary care provider as soon as possible.
  • The recent and tragic deaths of actors Chadwick Boseman, 43, and Natalie Desselle-Reid, 53, as a result of colorectal cancer illustrate the younger trend:
    • The fastest growing incidence among those 20-29.
    • The most cases under 50 among those 40-49.

About the Campaign Collaborators:

Colon Cancer Foundation

The Colon Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in the state of New York and is listed by the IRS as a public charity. The organization is dedicated to supporting colorectal cancer research; educating the public about the importance of early detection, and forming strategic partnerships in the fight against colorectal cancer. The foundation offers those affected by colorectal cancer a platform to increase public awareness of colorectal cancer, while also working to lower incidence and death rates through public education, collaborations, and early-screening education. The Colon Cancer Foundation hosts annual events and challenges that seeks to raise money to support the foundation’s mission.

For more information please visit (www.coloncancerfoundation.org/) or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Squatty Potty, LLC

Founded in 2011, Squatty Potty, LLC is a consumer products company whose product lines consist of toilet stools, sprays and other bathroom accessories. Its flagship product, the Squatty Potty stool, is designed to help users assume the squatting position while using the bathroom, delivering fast, complete elimination with comfort and ease. In 2014, the Company was featured on ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank, and became the second most successful company in the history of the show. In 2015, the Company launched a wildly successful marketing campaign featuring a viral YouTube video that has garnered over 140 million views to date and won the 2016 Webby Award. Currently Squatty Potty products are sold in over 6,000 retail locations globally including Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Target.

DuClaw Brewing Company

Baltimore-based and fearlessly innovating in craft beer since 1996: Craft Be Cherished. Rules Be Damned. DuClaw beer is available in 19 U.S. states and DC plus Canada and France, with additional U.S. distribution through Brew Pipeline. www.duclaw.com.

CraftShack

The premier online marketplace and platform for specialty craft beers delivered to your door. www.craftshack.com.

Diablo Doughnuts

Baltimore doughnut shop that’s ‘Local as F*ck.’ Home of the original Unicorn Farts doughnut and original collaborator on the Sour Me Unicorn Farts beer. www.410dough.com.

Agencies who worked on the campaign include Elevation Advertising, 212 Communications and Social Endurance.  

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2020 Global Challenge Winners

2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways, but especially for the cancer community. However, colon cancer does not stop for Covid-19 and neither do we! We were extremely excited to continue the legacy of the physical Colon Cancer Challenge by going virtual this year. 2020 also marked the 17th year of the Challenge, where teams of families, friends, co-workers, local and national corporations come together to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, support those battling the disease and raise funds for the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation’s strategic initiatives of Public Awareness, Prevention, and Research. 

We were blown away by the support of our community during this unprecedented time, and are happy to recognize Maya Degnemark and Darryl Gross for their efforts and support during the Challenge. They ran over 1,200 miles collectively during our virtual event, each for their own reasons which you can learn more about below:

 

Maya Degnemark, top female winner of the Global Colon Cancer Challenge

My name is Maya Degnemark, I am 16 years old and I live in Brooklyn, New York. I have watched my uncle, Sanjay Bery, battle colon cancer for many years and now I proudly stand beside him fighting for this cause. Though I have been on my school’s running team since I began high school and have participated in many local races (including the physical race for colon cancer the last couple of years), I have never been so serious about running or about staying healthy. Things changed, however, in mid- March when my packed everyday life quickly changed (and ultimately became more relaxed), and I saw the opportunity to set both a weight loss and general health goal for myself (and compete in this virtual challenge, which I did not know was this great when I started!) Since then, I have been staying very active – even reaching my 100th day of running (between 3 and 6.5 miles) on July 26th. Now looking back on the past few months and this challenge, I am proud of myself for achieving my personal goals but for also using my own determination to fight for a much greater cause. I thank everyone who participated in this challenge, donated to this organization, or just helped raise awareness for this cause. I am dedicated to continue working with this organization in the years to come and continuing to commend them for their fantastic fight.

Darryl Gross, top male winner of the Global Colon Cancer Challenge

I became involved with CCF after my wife, Jessica, was diagnosed with colon cancer back in April. It’s been a whirlwind since then with surgeries and having to then start chemotherapy.  The experience has been very hard especially during these times. The positive is that her cancer was caught relatively early due to her proactivity.  She knew her body and she felt something was not right and pressed the issue of getting a colonoscopy with her gastroenterologist even as the world was shutting down in March due to Covid-19.   Knowing her body, her intuition was right as she had a cancerous polyp that was removed during her colonoscopy.  She then had to have an additional colorectal surgery before starting chemo.  Chemotherapy will be done in November just in time for the holiday season! She’s 36 and her prognosis is great because she was proactive in getting a colonoscopy even during these uncertain times. It’s been an extra challenging time with everything else going on but we are pushing through. I know both my wife and our world will be better soon! Through this whole situation we have realized how important friends and family are and the power of positive thinking! We are very grateful for everyone in our lives!

As far our involvement with the foundation, it’s new but will be a cause we will support for the rest of our lives.  I saw the notification of the activity challenge and as a family who supports physical activity (we are both runners), I thought it was something great to get involved with.  I plan on participating for many years to come!

 

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2020 Global Colon Cancer Challenge

The 2020 Challenge has gone virtual during this unprecedented time. By going virtual you can still raise awareness and fund colorectal cancer research sorely needs now more than ever.  Our goal is to collectively take 1.8 million steps a day (representing 1.8 Million diagnoses per year). This will enable us to cover 41,672 miles OR ~ 83 Million steps! Most importantly we hope each of you will join us in meeting the American Heart Association’s recommended 10,000 steps per day. Let’s “Take Action Together To Defeat Colorectal Cancer!” Sign up today!

Learn why Sanjay and his family are participating in the 2020 Virtual Challenge.

The bery family did it’s own virtual event in Harry Dunham their local park in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The kids ran 5 k and seema/ Sanjay walked 3.2 k, wearing their Colon Cancer Challenge. 2020 was the 12th year that Bery Colon Cancer Helpers participated in this Challenge — the locations have varied over the years from Central Park, Citi Field, Randall’s Island, and now Harry Dunham park.

After each Challenge the BCCH (bery colon cancer helpers) would go to a le Pain Quoitden ( a Belgium cafe chain ) in Manhattan for tartine lunch. We replicated that by creating our own le pain quoitden in our own kitchen (do not miss the cookbook in the 4th picture) and making our own open-faced tar-tine. Donate today. 

 

If you are interested in fundraising, signing up or becoming a sponsor of the Global Colon Cancer Challenge please follow the links below.

We are extremely excited to continue the legacy of the physical Colon Cancer Challenge by going virtual this year. Next year the physical Colon Cancer Challenge will return stronger than ever! In the meantime please stay safe and help us reach our goal of 1.8 million steps per day.

 

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2020 Colon Cancer Challenge Goes Global

The 2020 Challenge has gone virtual during this unprecedented time. By going virtual you can still raise awareness and funds colorectal cancer research sorely needs now more than ever.  Our goal is to collectively take 1.8 million steps a day (representing 1.8 Million diagnoses per year). This will enable us to cover 41,672 miles OR ~ 83 Million steps! Most importantly we hope each of you will join us in meeting the American Heart Association’s recommended 10,000 steps per day. Let’s “Take Action Together To Defeat Colorectal Cancer!” Sign up today!

 

 

Sign up today!

If you are interested in fundraising or becoming a sponsor of the Global Colon Cancer Challenge please follow the links below.

We are extremely excited to continue the legacy of the physical Colon Cancer Challenge by going virtual this year. Next year the physical Colon Cancer Challenge will return stronger than ever! In the meantime please stay safe and help us reach our goal of 1.8 million steps per day.

 

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STATEMENT REGARDING THE COLON CANCER CHALLENGE AND COVID-19

Last updated March 16, 2020

Dear Friends,

As we continue to monitor developments regarding COVID-19, we hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

This situation is evolving daily and will continue to impact our communities in evolving ways. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that we have incredible people like you who are compassionate, resilient, and who consistently give back and pay it forward.

Due to this morning’s announcements by the Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people we have no choice but to cancel the Colon Cancer Challenge at Randall’s Island scheduled for March 29th, 2020.

We can’t thank you enough for your hard work on our behalf and the contributions you have already made. As you know Colorectal Cancer doesn’t stop for anyone – not even COVID-19 – and your support will enable us to continue to fight the nation’s second leading form of cancer as we weather this storm.

For those of you who are interested in maintaining the fitness level required for a 2M walk or a 5K we recommend you turn this into an opportunity to join us for a “virtual” walk/run/bike ride” in your neighborhood or community park. (Observing social distancing recommendations of course). More details to follow!

We are also looking into the possibility of rescheduling the Colon Cancer Challenge for the fall. We will keep you posted as opportunities arise to be involved in In-person, live events to support our mission – A World Without Colorectal Cancer™.

In the meantime, we encourage you to visit these websites for the most current information and guidance, the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH), the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We also strongly encourage those in our community who are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 to take actions to reduce their risk of getting sick with the disease. For more information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

If you have any questions you can contact the Colon Cancer Foundation by email at [email protected] or by phone at 914-305-6674.

Our sincerest wishes for a safe and healthy spring,

Cindy R. Borassi

Interim President

Colon Cancer Foundation

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2020 Colon Cancer Challenge 

Join us for the 2020 Colon Cancer Challenge on March, 29, 2020 in Randall’s Island, New York City. This year is the 17th anniversary of the Colon Cancer Challenge, where the nation comes together to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and raise funds for the Colon Cancer Foundation.

 

Off to the Races

This year, we are excited to announce our top finishes in the male and female 5K category will receive a cash prize! We will also have our 5th Annual Kids Fun Run, where children 12-years-old and younger and encouraged to participate and receive a Finishers Medal. Rounding out the activities is a two-mile scenic walk across Randall’s Island, which has unrivalled views of Manhattan.

 

Survivor Recognition

The Colon Cancer Foundation invites everyone to celebrate their personal victory over colon cancer with a Survivors Commemorative Photo and Victory Lap on the Icahn Stadium track. Survivors will also gain access to a special VIP tent and refreshments during the event, including general access to sponsor and exhibitor booths.

Register now to take part in the 2020 Colon Cancer Challenge and learn more about registration.

 

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Congratulations to Team Colon Cancer Challenge!

Recently, Team Colon Cancer Challenge ran the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, where they “made their miles count” by raising funds to support the Colon Cancer Foundation. Each member of the team raised at least $3,000 to support colon cancer survivors and patients.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is around 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. Every member of Team Colon Cancer Challenge helps spread the word that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable with early screening. The Colon Cancer Foundation launched Team Colon Cancer Challenge in 2010 and has raised over $500,000 in support of efforts to raise awareness of colon cancer.

 

The 2019 Team Colon Cancer Challenge New York Marathon runners have currently raised over $100,000! Thank you and congratulations to all of the Team Colon Cancer team members:

 

Ross Drever

Claudia and Chelsea Lee Hammerschmidt

Michael Murray

Anthony Sandeen

Michael Hicks

Anthony Gollan

Patricia Crisafulli

Nanette Nelson

Elizabeth Barth

Stephanie Moore

Kate Griffin

Ana Bisciello

Ty Senour

Samantha Tritt

Gary Killion

Sam Fairall-Lee

Young-Eun Choi

John Toigo

Chris Scolavino

Ryan Gibbs

Jake Quiat

Allison Gibbs

Samantha Ahearn

Chris Berg

Nic Crider

 

For more information on joining Team Colon Cancer Challenge for the 50th anniversary of the New York Marathon in 2020, please visit https://coloncancerfoundation.org/events/ or contact us at [email protected].

 

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

This month, honor the thousands of colon cancer patients, survivors, and champions by spreading awareness regarding colorectal cancer during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2000, the colorectal cancer community has mobilized during the month of March to raise awareness, increase education and convince loved ones to get screened. There are multiple ways to get involved during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, starting with learning more about colorectal cancer.

Get educated about colorectal cancer

While colorectal cancer in adults over 50-years-old has declined, colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger generations. Today, even teenagers are being diagnosed at alarmingly greater rates. Around 13,500 people under the age of 50 will become diagnosed with colon cancer. One of the largest issues that screenings do no begin until 50, so these diagnoses will often become late-stage diagnoses. Make sure to have the conversation about colorectal cancer with your loved ones and your doctors earlier than later.

Wear blue to show your support

March 1 is officially Dress in Blue Day, but you can wear blue all month long to show support for colorectal cancer survivors and patients. Encourage your workplace and friends to wear blue to get the conversation about colorectal cancer started. Make sure to post to social media and tag the Colon Cancer Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Participate in the 16th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge

Join us for the 16th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge on March 24 to show support for those with colorectal cancer and raise funds for the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation. We are ecstatic to host the challenge this year at the Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. In 2018, an estimated 135,000 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. If caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. With the 16th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge, we can work together to reduce these fatalities. Whether you participate in the 5K or spearhead fundraising efforts among your friends, you are helping the Colon Cancer Foundation to improve the life of current patients, survivors and future patients of this deadly disease. No matter what distance you cover, you will make up ground in the race to prevent colorectal cancer.

Whether you choose to dress in blue or attend the 16th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge — we hope you do both — make sure to show your support during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Even after the month of March, you can help us fight colorectal cancer with the “Eighty by 2018.” Take the pledge to get screened,  choose a healthy way of eating and lead a  physically active life.

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2019 Colon Cancer Challenge

The Colon Cancer Foundation is excited to announce the 16th Anniversary of the Colon Cancer Challenge. This year, we will return to Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island to work together to educate about colorectal cancer and support those who are affected by its debilitating effects. Join the rest of the colorectal cancer community on March 24, 2019, to support the Colon Cancer Foundation’s initiatives.

 

What Is the 2019 Colon Cancer Challenge and Why Should I Join?

 

In 2004 Dr. Thomas K. Weber founded the Colon Cancer Challenge. This year, we continue Dr. Weber’s work to increase public awareness of colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 51,020 people will die from colorectal cancer during 2019. The lifetime risk for colorectal cancer is nearly 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. However, with early detection, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. Chances are that you will know someone in your life who will be affected by this deadly disease. Join us on March 24 for the 2019 Colon Cancer Challenge to raise awareness about the second deadliest cancer.

 

Where Do the Funds Raised Go?

 

Every year, the Colon Cancer Foundation raises funds in order to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, the importance of early detection and the most effective screening methods available. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in New York State and listed by the Federal IRS as a public charity, we work hard to ensure that all funds align with our mission in the fight against colorectal cancer. The fundraising efforts at the 2019 Colon Cancer Challenge provide free educational materials and participation in outreach events, among other initiatives:

 

  • A national tour of our educational inflatable colon – the Rollin’ Colon.
  • Local, state, national and global programs that promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
  • Awards to young colorectal cancer investigators presenting at the world’s premier societies and conferences.
  • Funding to support the nation’s only Summit focused on early age onset colorectal cancer.

 

How Can I Participate in the 2019 Colon Cancer Challenge?

 

There are numerous ways to show that you stand with colorectal cancer survivors and patients at the 2019 Colon Cancer Challenge. Our Two Mile Walk, 5K Run or Kids’ Fun Run offer a chance for the whole family to get involved. If you would like to volunteer, we have opportunities for all ages and groups. Please contact Marcline St. Germain, our volunteer coordinator, at 914.305.6674 or email at [email protected]. Additionally, you may download our Fundraising Toolkit to help raise money to support the Colon Cancer Foundation’s initiatives.

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