Research Advocacy Training and Support

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.

Research Advocacy Training and Support

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.

What do research advocates do?

Through the Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) program, research advocates gain a comprehensive understanding of the colorectal cancer research continuum and research advocacy through online education modules, virtual and in-person trainings, and ongoing learning opportunities with thought leaders and stakeholders.

More than just a traditional course, our research advocates learn practical research advocacy skills and apply their knowledge in real-world settings, such as by serving on panels and advisory committees, communicating research findings with the community, or curating for the Fight CRC Clinical Trial Finder.

What do research advocates do?

Through the Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) program, research advocates gain a comprehensive understanding of the colorectal cancer research continuum and research advocacy through online education modules, virtual and in-person trainings, and ongoing learning opportunities with thought leaders and stakeholders.

More than just a traditional course, our research advocates learn practical research advocacy skills and apply their knowledge in real-world settings, such as by serving on panels and advisory committees, communicating research findings with the community, or curating for the Fight CRC Clinical Trial Finder.

Meet our Research Advocates

Various panels research advocates serve on include:

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP)
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  • Local Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
  • State Cancer Coalitions
Allison Rosen

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Anita Mitchell Isler

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Annie Feehan Delores
Caroline Brockway

Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Curt Pesmen

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Elizabeth Dennis

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Elsa Lankford
Elsa Lankford

Cuidador

Esther Hyun
Esther Hyun

Colon Cancer Survivor

Florence Kurttila

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Julie Barreau
Julie Barreau

Colon Cancer Survivor

Karen Wehling

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Kimberly Bush-Klinefelter

Cuidador

Lee Jones

Colon Cancer Survivor

Michael Holtz

Stage III Rectal Cancer Survivor

Tim McDonald

Colon Cancer Survivor

Wenora Johnson

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Yasmeem Watson

Colon Cancer Survivor

Meet our Research Advocates

Various panels research advocates serve on include:

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP)
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  • Local Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
  • State Cancer Coalitions
Allison Rosen

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Anita Mitchell Isler

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Annie Feehan Delores
Caroline Brockway

Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Curt Pesmen

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Elizabeth Dennis

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Elsa Lankford
Elsa Lankford

Cuidador

Esther Hyun
Esther Hyun

Colon Cancer Survivor

Florence Kurttila

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Julie Barreau
Julie Barreau

Colon Cancer Survivor

Karen Wehling

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Kimberly Bush-Klinefelter

Cuidador

Lee Jones

Colon Cancer Survivor

Michael Holtz

Stage III Rectal Cancer Survivor

Tim McDonald

Colon Cancer Survivor

Wenora Johnson

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Yasmeem Watson

Colon Cancer Survivor

Join the Program!

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).

We select applicants that represent diverse backgrounds and interests to ensure that our research advocates represent the collective colorectal cancer patient and caregiver community in various capacities across the research continuum.

“A person who serves as a link between patients and scientific researchers. Research advocates help patients understand scientific information and research findings that may help them. They may also bring a patient perspective on research activities to scientific advisory boards and committees.”

The National Cancer Institute

All our research advocates need to have or be willing to develop the skills listed:

  • Willingness to work with a variety of stakeholders (survivors and caregivers, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other experts)
  • Ability to give constructive feedback and communicate effectively
  • Willingness to learn from others and speak to the collective patient experience
  • Desire to learn about science and research principles, with a focus on the colorectal cancer continuum
  • Computer proficiency using programs such as Zoom, Microsoft Word, PDF documents, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to take initiative and seek opportunities

Applications are currently closed.

Join the Program!

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).

We select applicants that represent diverse backgrounds and interests to ensure that our research advocates represent the collective colorectal cancer patient and caregiver community in various capacities across the research continuum.

“A person who serves as a link between patients and scientific researchers. Research advocates help patients understand scientific information and research findings that may help them. They may also bring a patient perspective on research activities to scientific advisory boards and committees.”

The National Cancer Institute

All our research advocates need to have or be willing to develop the skills listed:

  • Willingness to work with a variety of stakeholders (survivors and caregivers, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other experts)
  • Ability to give constructive feedback and communicate effectively
  • Willingness to learn from others and speak to the collective patient experience
  • Desire to learn about science and research principles, with a focus on the colorectal cancer continuum
  • Computer proficiency using programs such as Zoom, Microsoft Word, PDF documents, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to take initiative and seek opportunities

Applications are currently closed.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Thank you to our Sponsors