2025 RATS Application

Through the Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) Program, research advocates are provided with the tools they need to have a seat at research tables and be empowered to share their insights and expertise with the scientific community.

2025 RATS Application

Through the Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) Program, research advocates are provided with the tools they need to have a seat at research tables and be empowered to share their insights and expertise with the scientific community.

Applications to join our RATS program are open to anyone who has been impacted by colorectal cancer (survivors and caregivers) and is interested in serving as a liaison between the patient and caregiver community and scientific researchers. Interested applicants should be committed to dedicating at least two years to the program (a 24-month commitment is required). This program is limited to individuals who reside in the United States. Applications close on March 31, 2025.

You Empower Our Work. Your gift will give more time to patients and caregivers.

You Empower Our Work. Your gift will give more time to patients and caregivers.

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Luck won't prevent colorectal cancer—screening can! 🍀 Take our quick quiz (fightcrc.org/quiz) to learn when you need to be screened and share with a friend who needs to be screened! #StPatricksDay #CancerScreening #GetScreened #ColorectalCancer
My wife and I met in 2017, and from the moment we connected, we were inseparable. We got engaged in 2018, married in 2019, and welcomed our daughter in 2021. The perfect love story was unfolding. In September 2020, we had just bought our house and were in the midst of trying to have a child. We were excited for the future—it felt like our life together was just beginning. Then, on April 12, 2021, everything changed. Kirsten came home from work, and I surprised her with the news that we were finally pregnant after trying for so long. Just a few hours later, I was rushing her to the ER, where we discovered she had a mass the size of a grapefruit on her right ovary. That night, we were faced with the devastating reality of cancer. After countless appointments and a long, difficult surgery, we received the diagnosis: stage IV colorectal cancer. Kirsten was just 32 years old. As she was coming out of surgery to remove the tumors, I was in another room getting an ultrasound to confirm our pregnancy. It was the best and worst day of our lives. Kirsten fought with every ounce of her being. She fought for our daughter, for our family, for every friend who loved her. She refused to let cancer define her. Even in the darkest moments, she faced each day with strength, positivity, and an unwavering ability to inspire those around her. In December 2021—just three days after our daughter was born—Kirsten went into remission. We were given 10 incredible months together, simply living and loving as a family. But in October 2022, the cancer returned, this time in her bones. Despite her relentless fight, Kirsten passed away on December 3, 2023 at the age of 35. She is missed beyond words. She was a light that should never have been dimmed so soon. Addie and I, along with so many others, love you and miss you more than words can express. #KirstenStrong
Huge thanks to our friends at @dudewipes for making our United in Blue Volunteer Day such a success! 💙
Fight CRC and @dudewipes hit the streets near the National Mall to test how much people know about #ColorectalCancer. Want to know your risk? Take the quiz using the link in our bio!