Colon Cancer Alliance Gives Nearly $125,000 in Grants

Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund Celebrates First Year With Nearly $125,000 in Grants

The Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund, a program providing financial support for colon cancer patients in need, celebrated its first year by awarding grants totaling nearly $125,000 to more than 400 patients. This year, in an effort to support the growing need of its beneficiaries, proceeds from the Colon Cancer Alliance's nationally recognized Dress in Blue Day program will go toward the fund.

"I donated to the Blue Note Fund because it's a charitable effort that has a positive impact on people living with colon cancer," said Daniel Prewitt. "I know firsthand how overwhelming colon cancer treatment can by physically, emotionally, and financially. During tough times, any help patients and families receive to pay their bills is welcomed. The demand for these funds is staggering. If you're going to donate to a cause, make it this one!"

Since its inception, the Blue Note Fund has received more than 1,000 applications from patients facing financial hardship during treatment, and with applications soaring nearly 350 percent from the first to fourth quarter of 2011, it's important to ensure that funding grows to meet the rising need. The success of the Blue Note Fund has kept the phones ringing at the Colon Cancer Alliance Helpline call center with application requirement questions as well as "thank you" calls from grant recipients.

"Every day, we hear from people who have had their lives devastated by colon cancer. The need for the Blue Note Fund is abundantly clear," said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "We've seen first hand the positive effect the fund has on a patient's spirit when fighting this disease."

An estimated 142,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2012. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. However, through recommended screenings, this cancer can be caught early when treatment is most effective—or even prevented altogether when pre-cancerous polyps are detected and removed.

The Blue Note Fund is a collaborative effort between the Colon Cancer Alliance and Board Member Charlie Kelley, a Grammy nominated producer and musician. The fund's name is derived from a soulful musical term "Blue Note," as well as the color blue—the official color of colon cancer awareness.

For more information: www.bluenotefund.org.