Alison Friedman chaired the national Blue Hope Bash on November 2, 2024, in Washington, D.C., with her husband Mark Waner.
    Press Release

    Alliance Celebrates 25 Years & Honors Notable Partners at the National Blue Hope Bash

    By Emily Blasi

    Alison Friedman chaired the national Blue Hope Bash on November 2, 2024, in Washington, D.C., with her husband Mark Waner.

    The nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to combating colorectal cancer, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) hosted its annual Blue Hope Bash at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on November 2. The Alliance’s premier fundraising gala brings together a community that is passionate about supporting the Alliance and its mission to end colorectal cancer through education, resources, and research. This year’s event celebrated 25 years of impact for the Alliance, and raised nearly $2 million to assist its critical work.

    Spoken word artist Steve Connell provided powerful poetic color to the evening’s program as emcee of the event. The Blue Star Award, honoring individuals who display conviction and unwavering dedication to the Alliance’s mission, was awarded to Kathleen Sebelius, Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; Dr. Edith Mitchell, health equity advocate (in memoriam); and prevention and screening innovator Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. Alison Friedman, a young-onset colorectal cancer survivor, shared her story and emphasized the need to support the Alliance’s lifesaving efforts. 

    Photos of Hope

    To see more photos, visit the Alliance's Facebook page. Photography courtesy of Pixelme Studio. 

    Lyn Ferriero feels for the winning ticket of the Blue Hope Bash's Porsche car raffle.
    Alliance supporters, including Board member Avi Benaim, enjoy Club Blue before the program begins.
    The Blue Hope Bash program begins with a rousing speakeasy-inspired performance by a flashy dance troupe decked out in silver and blue.
    DeAnna Henze, daughter of the late Dr. Edith Mitchell, accepts the Blue Star Award on her mother's behalf.
    Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, accepts the Blue Star Award at the Blue Hope Bash.
    Alliance supporter Michael O'Neil accepted the Blue Star Award on behalf of Kathleen Sebelius, the former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Blue Hope Bash guests enjoyed the contemporary jazz stylings of the David Bach band.
    The Blue Hope Bash took place on November 2, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
    Steve Connell, a spoken word champion and friend of Bash chair Alison Friedman, emceed the event, bringing levity and entertainment to the stage.
    Alison Friedman chaired the national Blue Hope Bash on November 2, 2024, in Washington, D.C., with her husband Mark Waner.
    Lyn Ferriero feels for the winning ticket of the Blue Hope Bash's Porsche car raffle.
    Alliance supporters, including Board member Avi Benaim, enjoy Club Blue before the program begins.
    The Blue Hope Bash program begins with a rousing speakeasy-inspired performance by a flashy dance troupe decked out in silver and blue.
    DeAnna Henze, daughter of the late Dr. Edith Mitchell, accepts the Blue Star Award on her mother's behalf.
    Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, accepts the Blue Star Award at the Blue Hope Bash.
    Alliance supporter Michael O'Neil accepted the Blue Star Award on behalf of Kathleen Sebelius, the former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Blue Hope Bash guests enjoyed the contemporary jazz stylings of the David Bach band.
    The Blue Hope Bash took place on November 2, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
    Steve Connell, a spoken word champion and friend of Bash chair Alison Friedman, emceed the event, bringing levity and entertainment to the stage.
    Alison Friedman chaired the national Blue Hope Bash on November 2, 2024, in Washington, D.C., with her husband Mark Waner.
    1
    OF
    10
    2
    OF
    10
    3
    OF
    10
    4
    OF
    10
    5
    OF
    10
    6
    OF
    10
    7
    OF
    10
    8
    OF
    10
    9
    OF
    10
    10
    OF
    10

    Alliance supporter Lyn Ferriero feels for the ticket that will a 2025 Porsche Macan T. She and her husband Jay generously donate the prize car each year in memory of their dear friend Erica Paul. 

    Alliance supporters, including Board of Directors member Avi Benaim (second from right), celebrate the Alliance's 25th year of impact and enjoy Club Blue before the program begins. 

    The Blue Hope Bash program opens with an energetic, speakeasy-inspired performance by a flashy dance troupe dressed in silver and blue.

    DeAnna Henze, daughter of the late Dr. Edith Mitchell, MD, accepts the Blue Star Award on her mother's behalf from Alliance CEO Michael Sapienza, left, and Dr. John Marshall of Georgetown University. 

    Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, accepts the Blue Star Award from Alliance CEO Michael Sapienza, left, and Lee Dranikoff, Chair of the Alliance's Board of Directors. 

    Alliance supporter Michael O'Neil accepts the Blue Star Award on behalf of Kathleen Sebelius, the former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is pictured with Alliance CEO Michael Sapienza, left. 

    Blue Hope Bash guests enjoyed the contemporary jazz stylings of the David Bach band.

    The Blue Hope Bash took place on November 2, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

     Steve Connell, a spoken word champion and friend of Bash chair Alison Friedman, emceed the event, bringing levity and entertainment to the stage. 

    Alison Friedman chaired the national Blue Hope Bash on November 2, 2024, in Washington, D.C., with her husband Mark Waner. 

    While colorectal cancer cases are decreasing in older adults, young-onset colorectal cancer continues to rise at alarming rates. The disease is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 and second in women under 50. Through its Project Cure CRC initiative, the Alliance aims to fund $100 million in cutting-edge colorectal cancer research to improve outcomes.

    “Despite being one of the deadliest cancers, colorectal cancer is less known and less funded than other less deadly cancers,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “The Blue Hope Bash honors those lost to the disease and those making a difference, while raising awareness and support to accelerate the Alliance’s mission to end this disease.”

    Founded in 1999, the Alliance has made significant strides in colorectal cancer prevention, care, research, and advancements over the past 25 years. The Alliance offers critical resources for patients and caregivers, such as free professional assistance via certified patient and family support navigators, financial assistance, peer support groups, and an annual conference,  AllyCon, in Miami on December 12-14. For more information or to make a gift to the Alliance, visit colorectalcancer.org. Donations will be matched on Giving Tuesday, December 3.

    About the Colorectal Cancer Alliance

    The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention, magnifies support, and accelerates research. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime. 

    Media Contact
    Emily Blasi
    eblasi@ccalliance.org
    (202) 971-9964 

     

    Top resources

    View all resources
    A headshot of Amy Low

    In memoriam: Amy Low

    Honoring the life and legacy of Amy Low, a devoted advocate, storyteller, and Colorectal Cancer Alliance board member.

    Last updated

    Video: United to End Colorectal Cancer

    Allies shared their stories and the vital need to end colorectal cancer in this video presented at the national Blue Hope Bash in November 2024. The video features Bash co-chair and patient Alison Friedman.

    Last updated