Earlier this evening, Congressman Dan Boren (OK-2) joined us a special guest during our monthly Grassroots Advocate Chat to share his personal story and explain why he is such a passionate champion in the fight against colorectal cancer. He commended the advocates on the call for the work they are doing. As he explained, it is simple – “Advocates Are Saving Lives!”

As we end the year, and get ready for a new Congress to convene, Rep. Boren had some advice and tips to share with us…

“Colorectal Cancer Is Not Sexy”

“It Is A Non-Partisan Issue”

“Not That Many Members of Congress Have Been Personally Touched by Colorectal Cancer”

“Get Involved, and Get to Know Your Representative Individually”

– Rep. Dan Boren (OK-2)

Congressman Boren also shared with us the news that he is working on a bill that would authorize the sale of a postage stamp to fund colorectal cancer research! We will be continuing to work with the Congressman on this legislation so that it is ready to introduce early next year and we will be lobbying to support the bill during the 2011 Call-on Congress.

Watch Congressman Boren’s complete remarks.

We are very pleased to announce that Representative Dan Boren (D-OK) will be joining us on our December Grassroots Advocate Chat to talk about a new bill he will be introducing early next year that will provide for new funding for colorectal cancer research.Register today to talk with Rep. Boren about this exciting new bill.

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C3 President Carlea Bauman, Rep. Dan Boren, and C3 Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo

This morning, C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition met with Representative Dan Boren (OK-2) to present him with our 2010 Congressional Champion Award.

C3 President Carlea Bauman and Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo met with Representative Boren to present him with the award for his efforts to increase the availability of colorectal cancer screening and treatment as well as for his work to increase funding for colorectal cancer research.

After receiving the 2010 Congressional Champion Award, Representative Boren issued the following statement:

“As with many Oklahomans, my family unfortunately has experienced the pain and fear of losing a loved one to cancer. Eleven years ago I lost my mother, Janna, to colon cancer.  While serving in Congress, I have made it a priority to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and to author legislation that increases citizens’ opportunities for early detention and screening for this highly preventable disease. I thank C3 for this honor.”

Past recipients of the C3 Congressional Champion Award include Representative Kay Granger (TX-12) and Senator Ben Cardin (MD).

Representatives Granger and Boren have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives supporting the observance of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  Even with advances in screening technology colorectal cancer continues to be the second leading cancer killer of men and women combined.  In 2010, nearly 50,000 people in the United States will die from colorectal cancer.  The real tragedy is that many of these deaths could be prevented if more people took advantage of colorectal cancer screening and early detection.

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