WCA Joins Fight Against Colon Cancer
From: Ann Brady Moore
January 15,2007
From: Ann Brady Moore
January 15,2007
On February 24th, Wellness Coalition America will co-sponsor the first annual ''Unmasking Colon Cancer Masquerade Ball'' in Charleston. This is the first fundraising event in South Carolina organized to help unmask and raise awareness about colorectal cancer. All contributions and proceeds will go directly to research, education, and screening programs in the state.
Jo-Ellen De Luca, colon cancer survivor, and Wellness Coalition America’s Anne Brady Moore, who lost her mother to colon cancer, have partnered with the Center for Colon Cancer Research to support this event. They want more people to be aware of the statistics—that colon cancer is diagnosed in more than 2,300 South Carolinians each year, and is responsible for approximately 900 deaths—and that colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. Screening saves lives!
Why a Masquerade Ball?
Because colon cancer can masquerade as good health. Many times symptoms are non-existent until the late stages of the disease, which makes education and awareness essential. So, guests attending the masquerade ball can expect education to be a highlight of the evening, but they can also look forward to being delightfully entertained. The Courvoisier Banquet Hall at The Citadel will be the beautiful backdrop for a fun-filled night of music, cocktails and delicious food. The evening will also feature an ''unveiling'' of celebrity guests as well as a live auction. We are thrilled by the support from across the state and hope you will join us!
Colorectal Cancer Programs in South Carolina
The Betty Ann Moore Colon Cancer Awareness Fund at Gibbs Regional Cancer Center was established in 2003 by John Moore and Anne Brady Moore after the death of their mother. Betty Ann was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in 1999. Her mission after her diagnosis was to educate everyone she could on the importance of screening. To continue their mother’s mission, her children partnered with Spartanburg Regional Medical Center to create a program in upstate South Carolina to educate individuals and offer free screenings. The foundation’s goal is eventually to provide free screening opportunities throughout the state of South Carolina.
Since Jo-Ellen De Luca’s diagnosis, she has been an active advocate for building awareness about the need of colorectal screening and the prevention of colon cancer. She has worked locally in Spartanburg with Gibbs Regional Hospital, nationally with C3: Colon Cancer Coalition and with many other organizations. Jo Ellen is now focused on spearheading a community grants program. These community grants will provide capacity-building financial support for colon cancer programs, and initiatives that will address early detection, education, and screening for colon cancer in South Carolina. Jo Ellen feels passionately that, by funding programs focused on colon cancer screening and awareness, we will enhance the health and well being of our communities.
The Center for Colon Cancer Research was established in 2002 at the University of South Carolina. The Center focuses on groundbreaking, multidisciplinary research on colorectal cancer, providing state-of-the-art technology, senior faculty mentors, and an infrastructure that offers multiple opportunities for academic and professional growth to young and talented scientists in South Carolina. The center hopes its Researcher Exchange Program, which brings leading senior researchers in colorectal cancer to the state, will expand educational opportunities and research activities in South Carolina.
First Documentary in History Dedicated to Colon Cancer
A dedicated and passionate group of Academy-Award-winning writers, producers, and directors pooled their talents to create a 60-minute documentary on colon cancer. It features nationally renowned surgeons; actors; sports and television personalities; musicians; comedians; government, ethnic and religious leaders presenting shocking stories about a type of cancer that many people feel uncomfortable discussing. Together, these stories shed light on colon cancer’s vicious attack on men and women of all ages, races, nationalities, and socio-economic groups. Most importantly, the documentary encourages more people to be screened.
Written by:
Ann Brady Moore
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