Ahhh...fall. Cooler weather, sweaters, boots, turning leaves - it is a season of change all around. As we enter into this new season, and move toward the end of another year, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect. We at GCCCF have been blessed this year with many supportive volunteers who have been so giving of their time. We have seen an increase in numbers of survivors who have been willing to be involved and help others. In addition, we have seen an increase in opportunities to participate in events to promote colon cancer health, as well as successful fundraisers to help us raise money to continue educating on the importance of colon cancer screenings. Yet, we have also experienced loss - loss of young survivors whose stories of fighting colon cancer are heartbreaking, loss of volunteers whose smiles will be so missed, and loss of people battling colon cancer we sadly didn't have the opportunity to meet, but whose families have graciously chosen to support GCCCF in their loved one's memory. So, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for everyone who has been part of GCCCF over this last year. Your impact has been profound, and we could not do what we do without people like you. Thank you.
In good health,
Kayse Rigsby
Executive Director
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Minority Health Fair
As a sponsor of the 16th annual Minority Health Fair (MHF), we are excited to share that this year's event was a tremendous success! It is estimated that there were over 4,000 attendees, including a record number 125 vendors. Almost 500 people came through the GCCCF booth and heard the message that colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, and that colonoscopies save lives. Thank you to GCCCF Vice President, Dr. Marshall Horton, for organizing our booth, and thank you to our volunteers: Howard and Laura Grody, Jeremy O'Brien, GCCCF President Dr. Tom Brien, AKA Captain Colon, board members Helen Pinkerton and Alison Sexter, and GCCCF chair Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero.
Save the date for the 17th annual MHF, scheduled for Saturday, August 17, 2019. We hope you will join us there.
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Survivor Spotlight: Tom Lehman
Professional Golfer and CRC Survivor
Professional golfer, Tom Lehman, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1995. He told his story to Rachel Popa, of Becker's GI & Endoscopy, and it is shared in part below.
"In April 1995, I was playing in the Masters. I had a sore knee, and started taking Advil to treat it. Suddenly, I developed serious symptoms. I experienced lots of bleeding, which I didn't know at the time is associated with colon cancer. I kept playing golf for a couple of weeks before heading home to have a colonoscopy, at the advice of my brother's father-in-law, who was a doctor at the Mayo Clinic. My doctor discovered polyps that turned out to be malignant. At 36 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 colon cancer. Fortunately, because my cancer was detected early, I had the polyps removed and did not need any further treatment. After a short break, I was back on the golf course. I was very lucky to have my cancer detected early. Stage 1 is a stage when colon cancer is highly treatable. Unlike some patients, I never had to deal with a late-stage cancer diagnosis, or go through chemotherapy or radiation. After my diagnosis and treatment, I started taking my health more seriously. This meant getting regular physicals, making sure I had good nutrition, and getting colonoscopies on a regular basis as directed by my doctor. When I reflect on my experience with colon cancer, I think about how fortunate I was. The earlier colon cancer is caught, the better. When detected early, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate, but left untreated, it kills 50,000 Americans each year. What if I hadn't taken the Advil that led to the bleeding? I never would have been screened for colon cancer, and I could have been diagnosed much later when it isn't nearly as treatable."
Lehman kept his experience with colon cancer quiet until his participation in this year's Cologuard Classic golf tournament. He says he began sharing his story because he realized the importance of screening, and he realized he is in a position to help make a difference by speaking out. He is currently working with FightCRC and Exact Sciences to help communicate the importance of colon cancer screenings, and encourage people to speak with their healthcare provider about screening options. He says, "more than one-third of eligible Americans are not getting screened; we have to help improve America's colon cancer screening rates." He plans to keep sharing his story and hopes that, "by emphasizing the importance of early detection through a range of colon cancer screening options, we can make a difference in our shared goal of eradicating this disease."
Becker's GI & Endoscopy
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Congratulations to GCCCF Vice President, Dr. Marshall Horton, on being selected as a 2018 Champion in Healthcare in Chattanooga! Dr. Horton received the Volunteer in Healthcare award. Read more by clicking here.
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As the holiday season approaches, we would like to ask you to consider donating to or financially supporting the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation. Of cancers that affect both men and women, Colon Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, Tennessee ranks among the lowest in the country for colorectal screenings, and sadly, ranks among the highest for deaths related to colorectal cancer. This disease is so preventable, but early detection requires screening! Please help us continue reaching our friends and neighbors in the greater Chattanooga community with the message that "colonoscopies save lives!"
How can you help?
- Support GCCCF with your online purchases on Cyber Monday (November 26th) or as you complete your holiday shopping. GCCCF will benefit when you shop online at smile.amazon.com, and select Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation as the charity you would like to support.
- Make a donation to GCCCF on Giving Tuesday (November 27th) at GCCCF.org.
- Remember GCCCF when making your year end, tax deductible donations by giving online at GCCCF.org, or by mailing a check to Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation, Suite C-300, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
We thank you for your generous help and support.
#Preventable #Treatable #Beatable
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Are you willing to share how colon cancer has impacted your life? Please contact us and let us know!
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