2021 Ambassador Feature: Courtney Maurer

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Champion Stories
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The year 2020 will be memorable for all of us, but at Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), we had the pleasure of welcoming a new class of Fight CRC Ambassadors.

Despite all of the difficulties of 2020, especially with Stay-at-Home orders and social distancing, our Ambassadors found creative and interesting ways to get their messages into the world and to share their mission, which also is our mission: We FIGHT to cure CRC and serve as relentless champions of hope for all affected by this disease through informed patient support, impactful policy change, and breakthrough research endeavors.

We are thankful to our Ambassadors as they finish out their introductory Ambassador year!

Courtney Maurer hails from Overland Park, Kansas. Fight CRC had some questions for Courtney about her experience as Fight CRC Ambassador:

Q: What is your connection to colorectal cancer (CRC)?

A: I am a patient/survivor.

Q: What does being a Fight CRC Ambassador mean to you?

A: What being a Fight CRC Ambassador means to me is advocating for CRC and spreading awareness. Also, being an Ambassador means being here for people who just need someone to talk to because going through CRC is very hard to talk about.

Q: What compelled you to apply to be a Fight CRC Ambassador?

A: I felt compelled to apply to become a Fight CRC Ambassadorso I could tell my story and become more involved in the advocacy part of it. I also really wanted to connect to others going through what I went through. I have met so many amazing people through Fight CRC.

Q: What have you learned during your introductory Ambassador year?

A: I learned all of the tools we can use to increase awareness and tell our stories. I also learned more about fundraising during my Ambassador year.

Q: This year, our Ambassador stories reached millions! From being featured in Fight CRC communications, Times Square, and local media, your face has been everywhere. What was the most exciting part for you?

A: Oh, man...I'd say all of it! I do wish we had the chance to travel and see each other, but it's OK! Times Square, I think, was my favorite!

Q: What's your FAVORITE thing about being an Ambassador?

A: My favorite thing about being an Ambassador was meeting so many wonderful people.

Q: Have you noticed growth within yourself over the past year?

A: I have noticed growth in myself! I never thought I'd have the guts to reach out to our governor's office to ask about the proclamation, but I did, and it felt great!

Q: Why should others get involved with Fight CRC?

A: Because it's an amazing experience. You are meeting other people, and they turn into family, basically!

Q: What motivates you to advocate for the CRC community?

A: Early-age onset (EAO) CRC motivates me to advocate for the CRC community. EAO CRC hits me hard, since I was one of the younger ones.

Q: What advice do you have for those who recently have been diagnosed or who have loved ones who recently have been diagnosed?

A: Just hang in there and stay as positive as you can! Reach out on social media if you need to. I posted on Instagram and got so much support that it was insane! So much love and advice can come from people on social media platforms.

Q: How will you continue your efforts beyond the close of your introductory Ambassador year?

A: I will continue my efforts beyond the close of my introductory Ambassador year by increasing awareness on social media, as I have done in the past. I will still tell my story!

Fight CRC is grateful for the support of Courtney and the 2020-2021 Fight CRC Ambassadors as they continue to serve as relentless champions of hope!