Press Releases

August 10, 2009

Philly Goes Blue for Colon Cancer Launches National Awareness Campaign

Cities Go Blue Tour Raises Awareness about Colon Cancer

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 10, 2009) – The 1st Annual Philly Goes Blue for Colon Cancer campaign will be held in Philadelphia on September 26-27, 2009 and will kick off the national Cities Go Blue for Colon Cancer tour. The weekend of events, created by the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), is designed to raise awareness of the importance of colon cancer screening and to provide invaluable information for those already affected by the disease.

"The purpose of the nationwide Cities Go Blue for Colon Cancer campaign is to promote awareness about colorectal cancer, by encouraging people to get screened and providing information and support to survivors and caregivers," said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the country and we need to make sure that everyone who should be screened is getting screened and those living with the disease have the information and support they need to improve their quality of life. Philadelphia has been selected as our kick-off city and we’re excited to work with community partners on a series of informative and fun events geared toward increasing knowledge of colon cancer and saving lives in the process."

The Philly Goes Blue for Colon Cancer weekend of activities begins on Saturday, September 26 with Conversations about Colorectal Cancer, Finding HOPE in Your Community, a free educational seminar, conducted in partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center. The seminar is designed to promote a sense of hope and empowerment by offering information on the latest treatment advances and giving patients, survivors and caregivers the opportunity to listen and support each other in the fight against colorectal cancer. The seminar will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 4100 Presidential Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

On Sunday, the second annual Undy 5000 5K run will take place at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. Participants will receive a pair of race boxers in place of a typical race t-shirt. Runners, walkers and spectators can visit the event expo, which will feature the Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™ – an interactive, 8-foot-tall, 20-foot-long replica of a human colon that provides attendees with an opportunity to learn first-hand about colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment. In addition, the Please Touch Museum will have its “play patrol” at the event along with arts, crafts, games and other activities for children.

Additional weekend highlights include:

• Saks Goes Blue event, sponsored by Saks 5th Avenue on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event will feature special discounts, makeovers, skincare consultations, a tarot card reader and light refreshments.
• Local businesses will light their buildings in blue at night and blue ribbons will be displayed throughout the city.
• Educational PSAs will be played throughout the weekend to increase awareness of colorectal cancer and the need for screening.

The CCA is working with cities throughout the nation to host future Cities Go Blue for Colon Cancer campaigns with the ultimate goal of all 50 states supporting the campaign in the years ahead.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US. It is expected to cause about 49,920 deaths during 2009. When detected and diagnosed early through regular screening, it can be treated quickly and effectively.

The CCA is the nation’s leading colorectal cancer organization, focused on meeting patient, survivor and caregiver needs by providing them information  and support through its Online Colorectal Cancer Community, My CRC Connections, Conversations about Colorectal Cancer, Finding HOPE in Your Community regional  seminars, Buddy Program and Toll-Free Help line. The CCA is working to get people talking about their colon’s health and to promote early screenings through education and fun events such as the Undy 5000 (www.undy5000.org), 5K run walks that take place across the county; Cities Go Blue for Colon Cancer campaign and the annual Dress in Blue Day.

For more information go to www.ccalliance.org. For sponsorship opportunities or media inquiries, contact Andrew Spiegel at aspiegel@ccalliance.org or call (202) 434-8996.

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About The Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy across North America.

As the Voice of Survivors, the CCA works as an advocate for colorectal cancer patients and their families. The CCA offers information and support from the first-hand experience of survivors and others whose lives have been touched by this disease.

Each year the CCA provides information and services to hundreds of thousands affected by the disease.

Local Philly Goes Blue for Colon Cancer Supporters Include:
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fox Chase Comprehensive Cancer Center, Independence Blue Cross, The OKI Printing Solutions, Please Touch Museum, Previstage/Diagnocure, Saks 5th Avenue, and 6 ABC.

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