Colorectal Cancer Alliance

No matter your genetic history, doctors recommend EVERYONE 45 and older get screened. Thanks for reminding us, @katiecouric.

14 runners. $114,000 raised and counting. Our largest Alliance Runners team ever at the #NYCMarathon! 💙

This incredible team surpassed our $100,000 fundraising goal and even made an appearance on the @TODAYshow!

Thank you to every runner and supporter who made it possible. You made every mile matter.

Want to run with us next year? Applications for our 2027 @nycmarathon team will be available in a few months. Stay tuned!

Colorectal cancer changed my life. I was extremely fatigued and thought I just needed iron supplements to boost my energy. But something didn’t feel right. After struggling just to get through a simple trip to the store, I got back in my car and, instead of going home, I went straight to the ER.

By the time I arrived, I was too weak to walk inside and had to be helped into a wheelchair. Tests revealed that my hemoglobin was 1.6 —dangerously low. I was at risk for heart failure, heart attack, and even death. Shortly after, I began bleeding and was admitted into the ICU.

That’s when I received the diagnosis: stage IV colorectal cancer that had spread to my lung.

Hearing those words was overwhelming. In that moment, everything changes—your thoughts, your emotions, your entire world. Colorectal cancer didn’t just affect me physically; it impacted me mentally and emotionally as well.

The most challenging part was facing the unknown while trying to stay strong. I went through radiation and received 19 blood transfusions in 10 days, then began chemo and surgeries to remove the tumors.

But I made a decision early on: I was going to win.

I took things one day at a time and surrounded myself with support. Staying connected to encouraging people and support resources helped me through the hard times. Having access to a community that understood what I was going through made a difference in my strength and mindset.

2 years later, I'm NED. My path has shown me that even in the most difficult circumstances, there's still hope.

That’s why sharing stories and building awareness through organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is so important. Having access to education, resources, and support can truly change someone’s journey. No one should have to face this diagnosis alone.

What gives me hope is the progress being made every day—through research, treatment advancements, and the power of shared stories. Survivors are living proof that there is hope.

When you hear the word cancer, it can feel like everything is falling apart—but it’s not the end. There's strength in you that you may not even realize yet.

There is always hope." - Brenda C.

Support colorectal cancer research by visiting crcancer.org/Cure-26-X

Skin care can start before your first treatment. Skin reactions are common for colorectal cancer patients receiving EGFR inhibitors, so ask your care team about a prevention plan before treatment begins.

Many cancer care teams recommend a prevention plan, which may include daily moisturizer, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and, in some cases, an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline. Recommendations vary, so check with your care team about what’s right for you.

Don’t wait until there is a problem to start thinking about your skin. Ask your care team what you can do before your first treatment.

Thank you to @Amgen for supporting the development of this educational video.

From running through cancer treatment to taking on the @nycmarathon, Ben's story is one of determination! 💙

Diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer in 2022, Ben continued running through radiation and chemotherapy. After surgery, he returned to marathon running and has since set multiple personal records. Now, he's one of 14 Alliance Runners participating in the NYC Marathon!

Tomorrow, November 1st, Ben will take on 26.2 miles for the Alliance. Good luck to Ben, and all the other Alliance Runners! 👏

#nycmarathon #colorectalcancer #cancersurvivor