FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 30, 2014) – Fight Colorectal Cancer is taking steps to ensure that patients and their families can get the resources they need to fight colorectal cancer. A new Health Promotion program will refine the organization’s patient education services while adding new components to better reach and equip patients. “We know that patients are looking for a place to go, or a starting point, once they are diagnosed and we’re focusing our programs to ensure that we provide relevant, reliable and practical resources,” said Anjee Davis, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer. New Health Promotion Program Over the last five years the patient education program at Fight Colorectal Cancer has supported thousands of patients, medical professionals, researchers and advocates. The program offers tools to explain screening and treatment options and the expertise to relay the latest news impacting colorectal cancer to advocates of the organization. The new Health Promotion program will continue to utilize current tools and expand the program to incorporate community engagement opportunities, both online and within the local communities. “We know from our discussion groups with patients, program evaluations and current trends that patients are online accessing information – they’re searching the web and on social media looking for resources and support,” said Anjee Davis. “We want to innovate and reach patients where they are at, so we are building a Health Promotion program focused on access and delivery of resources.” Researcher Andi Dwyer Becomes Director of Health Promotion
Andi-Dwyer
Andi Dwyer, Director of Health Promotion
To lead this initiative, Fight Colorectal Cancer has established a joint-appointment for researcher Andrea (Andi) Dwyer at the Colorado School of Public Health, The University of Colorado Cancer Center - an expert on colorectal cancer, patient navigation and survivorship issues. Dwyer will serve as the Director of Health Promotion and work on new ways to ensure patients and caregivers can access interactive programs to help them understand the information, ask questions and get answers. “Fight Colorectal Cancer has established an outstanding foundation to support survivors and their families," said Dwyer. "We have an opportunity to strengthen and expand these efforts with additional linkages to academic, scientific and clinical partners. The vision will remain intent on meeting the needs of the survivor community. We will also capitalize on dedicated awareness of prevention to reach families and those at highest risk of developing colorectal cancer.” Additional Support Staff Added  
April-Adams-Community-Resource-Manager
April Adams, Community Resource Manager
Two additional team members will support the growing education and awareness efforts. April Adams joins the team as a Patient Resources Coordinator to assist patients calling the toll-free Resource Line, coordinate the patient webinars and connect advocates to resources. Shawna Synder joins the team to oversee social media and online communications as the Communications Coordinator. Both team members have a background in communications and are skilled in community engagement, social media, interpersonal and online communication. Additionally, the new team members have a personal connection to colorectal cancer:  Dwyer's mother was diagnosed in her early 40's; Adams' close family members have battled colon cancer and Snyder's good friend is currently fighting a stage IV diagnosis.
Shawna-Snyder
Shawna Snyder, Communications Coordinator
“It is a priority for us to quickly respond to our community’s needs and changing culture," said Davis. " We want to make sure that when those fighting colorectal cancer need help – we’re there.” About Fight Colorectal Cancer Fight Colorectal Cancer is a leading colorectal cancer nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Through patient education, advocacy and research funding the group spreads awareness and demands a cure for the second-leading killer in the United States. As the leading advocacy group, the organization serves as a resource for colorectal cancer patients, grassroots advocates, policy makers, medical professionals and health care providers. Learn more at http://www.FightColorectalCancer.org.

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