CEO Statement on Chadwick Boseman’s Death
From Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance:
"The Colorectal Cancer Alliance mourns with Chadwick Boseman’s fans, friends, and family over the loss of this bright star to colon cancer. Somberly, we share that young-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise and cuts short thousands of lives every year.
Colorectal cancer awareness is hampered by an intense stigma, particularly in the Black community. Cancer is a personal battle, and we respect Boseman’s choice to shield the public from his diagnosis. The Alliance, however, encourages open conversations about this disease. Even superheroes can develop colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. when men and women are combined, and it disproportionately affects our black and brown communities. With education and awareness to defeat the stigma, resources for those diagnosed, and innovative research toward cures, we can end colorectal cancer in our lifetime.
Learn more information on health equity and colorectal cancer.
Donate to the Alliance's lifesaving programs.
Media inquiries:
Maurisa Turner-Potts at maurisapotts@gmail.com or (703) 501-6289
Top resources
Jenny Trefzger: "My missed expiration date"
Jenny Trefzger was 23 when gender-affirming care found her colon cancer. Nine years later, she wants readers to know that you don't have to be extraordinary to beat cancer.
Alliance Names Kate Watt Chief Development Officer
Watt’s extensive experience in building fundraising strategies and teams will help advance the Alliance's mission to end the disease.
He almost skipped the colonoscopy that saved his life
Andy said his lifestyle made it easier to ignore the blood in the stool, a symptom of colorectal cancer. But the “mirage of invincibility,” as he called it, was about to vanish.