Breaking Boundaries Program Honors Colorectal Cancer Survivors for Outstanding Leadership Achievements
Posted by Judi Sohn on March 11th, 2008
New Program Seeks to Break Down Boundaries That Can Limit Treatment Options for Older Colorectal Cancer Patients
Alexandria, VA, March 11 -– C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) will announce today the 2008 award recipients of the Breaking Boundaries program, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the need to break down the boundaries that can limit appropriate treatment of older colorectal cancer patients. Breaking Boundaries honors the outstanding leadership achievements of older patients who have been successfully treated for colorectal cancer and continue to serve their communities and other patients.
Three extraordinary women will be recognized for their valuable leadership contributions during the Breaking Boundaries Awards Dinner and Reception as the culmination of the C3 annual “Call-on Congress” advocacy initiative during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. Representatives of C3 and renowned thought leader in oncology, Dr. Richard Goldberg, associate director of The Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of North Carolina, selected the award recipients.
As part of the C3 Call-on Congress, on Tuesday, March 11th, the three Breaking Boundaries honorees will visit their Members of Congress in their Capitol Hill offices to lobby for legislation that will guarantee access to colorectal cancer screening for millions of Americans.
“We initiated the Breaking Boundaries program as a way to showcase older colorectal cancer patients who exemplify what can be achieved when appropriately treated,” said Carlea Bauman, President, C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition. “We are thrilled to honor older Americans who have come through colorectal cancer treatment to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.”
A key objective of Breaking Boundaries is to highlight the need for older colorectal cancer patients to have equal access to the full range of treatment options, based on standard clinical factors such as tumor size and growth rate, regardless of their age.
“Colorectal cancer is primarily diagnosed in patients age 50 and over, so we need to ensure that these individuals have access to all available treatment options based on standard clinical factors such as tumor size, cancer spread to lymph nodes and tumor growth rate,” said Dr. Goldberg. “Recent research, including a study I published last year, showed that combination chemotherapy after surgery is as safe and effective for patients over 65 as for younger patients.”
Dr. Goldberg will present the 2008 Breaking Boundaries award to the exemplary
colorectal cancer survivors who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to breaking down the myths associated with chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer in patients 65 years and older. They are:
- Carol Larson of Minneapolis, Minnesota – Recognized for her contributions in patient advocacy. Carol was diagnosed in 1999 with Stage III colorectal cancer, and has since undergone treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Looking for information and support, Carol joined the Advocates for Colorectal Cancer (ACE), a patient-centered support group affiliated with the Minnesota Colon Cancer Coalition. Now she provides that support to others as a board member of ACE. In addition, Carol serves as the 2008-09 co- president of the Ostomy Association of Minneapolis.
- Kate Murphy of Skaneateles, New York – Recognized for her service to the online colorectal cancer community. Kate was diagnosed with Stage I colorectal cancer in 2007, her third bout of colon cancer. Since being diagnosed, she has been devoted to working with the Association of Cancer Online Resources to provide information and support through its integrated system of online discussion groups. Kate helps ACOR maintain its Internet mailing list focused on colorectal cancer. Recently, Kate received ACOR’s first Myth-Breaker Award in recognition of her dedication to the colorectal cancer community.
- June Melvin of Fair Oaks, California – Recognized for nearly 50 years of service to the Fair Oaks community and an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of its residents. First diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005, June underwent surgery and has been undergoing chemotherapy intermittently during the past year. Throughout treatment, June has continued her longstanding history of participation in local civic and political activities, such as her local historical society. In 2007, June was recognized for her exemplary service by The Woman’s Thursday Club of Fair Oaks and the Fair Oaks Historical Society.
Colorectal Cancer Most Prevalent Among 50+ Population
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 52,000 men and women died of colorectal cancer in 2007.
More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people 50 and older. The elderly population has a significantly greater likelihood of developing CRC than do younger individuals. The American Cancer Society recommends that treatment not be withheld on the basis of age.
Learn about the honorees in the following videos:
Part One:
Part Two:
For more information on “Breaking Boundaries,” please visit: www.fightcolorectalcancer.org/events/breaking_boundaries. The program is co-
sponsored by sanofi-aventis.
About C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3)
C3 pushes for research to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer; for policy decisions that make the most effective colorectal cancer prevention and treatment available to all; and for increased awareness that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.
Birdie
March 25, 2008 at 4:42pm
Carol Larson is truly an inspiration! I taught with her and have known her throughout her disease!! She is always upbeat and when she had difficulties she kept her communication systems open and got the help that she needed. She’s like the Ever-Ready bunny and just keeps going, going and going!! I’m so proud of her and she deserves it all!!
Brenda Elsagher
April 1, 2008 at 11:49am
The first time I met Carol Larson I was impressed by her total care about educating others about colorectal cancer. She is a humble woman that keeps working behind the scenes with her writing skills and then also leads in the United Ostomy Association of Minneapolis. I am proud to know her and look forward to spending more time with her in the future. All your award winners seemed very deserving. Thanks for acknowledging their efforts and precious time. More than most, these people all understand that each hour we have is a choice in how we use it and they all have selflessly given many hours for others. Bravo!