Be a part of One Million Strong and tell us how colorectal cancer has impacted your life! Share your story now! 

MEET GORDON

Gordon Cole, Survivor

Greensboro, NC

GORDON'S STORY

Following his diagnosis of stage IV colorectal cancer in August 2003, Gordon has received radiation treatment, almost constant chemotherapy, a colon resection, two liver resections, RFA, a clinical trial (at Duke), two lung resections, and continuing maintenance chemo, along with a prostate cancer diagnosis in late '06. He has participated in a clinical trial, and is still in treatment following a recurrence and side effects from radiation damage requiring surgeries, using his research knowledge to monitor his own treatment. He has participated in several blood studies for research at Duke Cancer Institute and a genomic sequencing project UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.

Gordon is a former secretary of the Board of Directors of FCRC and was a panelist at Colon Cancer Alliance's (CCA) annual conference. He has been active in promoting cancer awareness and cancer research efforts. He has spoken at various group functions, numerous support groups, conferences and screening seminars.

He advocates on Capitol Hill through Fight Colorectal Cancer (FCRC) for legislative changes benefiting cancer research (five Call-on Congress events), and participated with FCRC in OVAC's  Lobby Day. He has lobbied for NCCS, and works individually with newly diagnosed patients in the Greensboro area and with CCA's Buddy Program. He participates in survivor contacts and mentoring, and is a member of  the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control, and Carolina Well (an LAF affiliate), and is involved in outreach for cancer screening and education in underserved areas in NC. He has attended AACR's SSP Program as a FCRC representative, and ASCO GI for CCA and FCRC.

He is also involved with Golfers Against Cancer, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to raising funds for cutting-edge cancer research, raising almost $3 million in 9 years, allocated among selected research programs at the three comprehensive cancer centers in NC.

GORDON'S ADVICE

Maintain hope.

WHAT ONE MILLION STRONG MEANS TO GORDON

Spread the word and awareness about CRC.