Grassroots Advocacy Manager, Julienne Gede Edwards was awarded during a reception on Wednesday, June 20 in Washington, D.C. and will participate in Critical Mass’ first-ever Young Adult Cancer Action Day on Thursday, June 21.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – June 20, 2018 — Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Grassroots Advocacy Manager, Julienne Gede Edwards has been awarded Critical Mass’ 2018 Young Adult Cancer Advocacy Hero Award for her dedication in raising awareness and advocating on behalf of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, survivors, and their families, while shedding a spotlight specifically on early-age onset CRC. The award recognizes advocates for their efforts educating and raising awareness around issues critical to the young adult cancer community.   Edwards is a stage IV colon cancer survivor diagnosed at 26, attorney, and patient advocate. She received her Juris Doctor at the University of Miami School of Law, where she also earned a Masters of Music Business and Entertainment Industries. After her diagnosis and treatment in 2015, she practiced law in Maryland and volunteered with cancer advocacy organizations such as American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship, and Critical Mass. As her story was shared, her volunteer work became a vocation, and she joined the team at Fight Colorectal Cancer in 2017. 

"It is a true honor to receive this award from Critical Mass and from its CEO Kate Houghton, a fellow survivor and one of my own advocacy heroes. I am beyond excited for the partnership between Fight Colorectal Cancer and Critical Mass, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together as we work to address the needs of the early-onset colorectal cancer community through public policy."

At Fight CRC, Edwards oversees advocacy strategy and initiatives, including national campaigns such as August Recess Challenge, Blue Star States, and Call-on Congress. She is based out of Baltimore County, Maryland and continues her treatment at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

“The staff and advocates at Fight CRC are proud of the passion and dedication that Julienne displays in everything she does and touches at our organization. We are all so lucky to have her on our team and colorectal cancer undoubtedly has found a determined adversary in Julienne.” - Fight CRC president Anjee Davis.

About Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) Fight CRC empowers and activates a community of patients, fighters and champions to push for better policies and to support research, education and awareness for all those touched by colorectal cancer. Fight CRC advocates for policies that remove barriers to colorectal cancer screening, increase investment in colorectal cancer research, and protect the best interests of patients.  About Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance is a community-powered advocacy organization that brings together patient, provider, and policymakers to remove barriers young adults face after a cancer diagnosis. Critical Mass is the only organization in the country that raises awareness and works to enact public policy solutions that remove barriers faced by young adults no matter their disease. We are on a mission to transform young adult cancer care in the United States. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.