Bill Thach is a Stage 4 Rectal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma patient currently undergoing treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, he is currently on his 11th line of treatment following the completion of 5 clinical trials. As a Research Advocate for Fight Colorectal Cancer, Bill brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the colorectal cancer community, working to ensure that men — particularly men of color and AYAs — have equitable access to care, clinical trials, and the resources they need to navigate the system.
Beyond his role with FightCRC, Bill serves as Director of Diversity at Man Up to Cancer, a Consumer Reviewer for the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, a Community Scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and a newly appointed member of the SWOG Cancer Research Network's Patient Advocate Committee and Early Therapeutics/Rare Cancer Committee.
Bill's advocacy is personal. Colorectal cancer has shaped every dimension of his life, and that lived reality drives his commitment to building a cancer care landscape that is more equitable, more compassionate, and more accountable to the patients it serves.