Kimberly Schoolcraft is a Patient/Research Advocate who became involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) research and screening advocacy after the loss of her life partner, Andy.  He was very active, athletic, and healthy but, shockingly, he received a Stage IV CRC diagnosis at the age of 47, which was too young for routine screening at the time. This catapulted Kimberly into the world of advocacy. 

Research Advocate 

Being Andy’s caregiver ultimately led Kimberly to become an active participant in Fight CRC’s (FCRC) RATS (Research Advocacy Training & Support) Program starting in 2018.  This has afforded her the opportunity to be involved in research, in a meaningful way, to provide the patient’s perspective.  Most recently, she was a member of the SU2C Colorectal Cancer Health Equity Dream Team. A number of manuscripts summarizing their work and results, regarding comparison of uptake of different mail-in screening techniques at community health centers and in Native American populations, were published in research journals including JAMA. 

As a Research Advocate she also attends trainings, Learning Labs, and regular program meetings.  She has reviewed various types of documentation, participated in focus groups, provided input during the creation of training videos for medical staff, and has met with early career researchers. 

Legislative Advocacy   

Kimberly also participates in legislative activities including Fight CRC’s annual Call-on-Congress.  In addition to meeting with her Congressional representatives each year, she has been a mentor for a number of years to prepare attendees for the experience.  She is also one of the Northeast Regional Leaders, who helps to keep people in her region connected and to be prepared as effective CRC advocates. 

Fundraising and Awareness 

She has participated in fundraising and awareness activities including FCRC’s annual Climb-for-a-Cure.  Kimberly even set up a local annual awareness campaign which distributes yard signs during March for CRC Awareness Month.  And she requests that the mayor of her hometown issue a proclamation each year declaring March to be Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. She also sets up resource tables at various conferences and local events. 

Because Andy was an avid outdoorsman and loved to be on the water, Kimberly worked with a local rowing club to set up a kayaking program in his memory.  His story is available to provide more awareness to the community regarding colorectal cancer.  She believes that an important aspect to reducing colorectal cancer is done one-on-one, at the individual level.  She talks to anyone who will listen, she is a FCRC Resource Champion, and also acts as a resource for local patients.  Additionally, her work extends to being an active member of the Patient Family Advisory Council for her local hospital. 

For her tireless efforts, Kimberly received the first annual Michael Mancini HERO award. But, she says the real reward is knowing she’s making a difference. 

Kimberly advocates for colorectal cancer awareness (especially in younger populations), increased screening rates, and for patients to not run out of treatment options.