Five moments that mattered in 2025

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance and its incredible community sparked powerful momentum to end this disease in 2025 — from elevating prevention to simplifying screening, accelerating research, and celebrating advocates. These moments that mattered are a few from a year that exemplified a growing, unified movement to save lives. The Alliance is grateful for every ally that helped make these and countless other meaningful moments possible. 

Making Colon Cancer Famous

Veteran journalist Katie Couric teamed up with the Alliance to LEAD FROM BEHIND in September. Couric, who lost her first husband to colorectal cancer in 1998, filmed a public service announcement to raise awareness about screening. The spot coincided with the 25th anniversary of her famous televised colonoscopy, which led to a pronounced spike in colonoscopies.

LEAD FROM BEHIND is the Alliance’s initiative to make colon cancer known as The Preventable Cancer. Created in partnership with Maximum Effort, a creative agency co-founded by movie star Ryan Reynolds, the initiative has previously featured Reynolds, actors Rob McElhenney and Terry Crews, and NFL quarterback Dak Prescott.  

“When Rob Mac and I broadcast our colonoscopies to help launch LEAD FROM BEHIND, we were following in the brave footsteps Katie took 25 years ago,” Reynolds said. “So to have her work with Maximum Effort on the latest initiative is a real full-starfish moment for me.”

A mainstay of broadcast journalism, Couric’s public service announcement was heavily featured in the media, raising prevention awareness in more than 200 outlets, including TODAY, People, and USA Today. 

Accelerating Cures 

Project Cure CRC, the Alliance’s initiative to accelerate research and bring new treatments to patients, continues to fund groundbreaking science. To date, Project Cure CRC has reviewed more than 500 research proposals and invested nearly $13 million across 32 studies.    

“The discoveries emerging from Project Cure CRC represent the most exciting advances we’ve seen in colorectal cancer research in decades,” said Dr. John Marshall, the Alliance’s Chief Medical Consultant. “By strategically investing in bold ideas and brilliant scientists, we’re accelerating the pace of progress toward treatments that patients urgently need.”

Among those with preliminary results are Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova of the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. DaeYong Lee of Virginia Tech, and Dr. Lisa Mielke of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University. 

Past Alliance-funded research has been instrumental in advancing treatments for colorectal cancer. In 2018, support for Dr. Josh Smith was critical to developing the first viable rectal cancer organoid models, a way of capturing genetic makeup of a patient’s tumor, which have transformed treatment options for patients with rectal cancer.

As the largest nonprofit dedicated to ending colorectal cancer, the Alliance is prioritizing Project Cure CRC to accelerate the development of cutting-edge treatments that improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Advocates and supporters can learn more about the initiative by watching Curecast, a broadcast that streamed live in November.  

Demystifying Prevention

More than half of Americans are unaware that colonoscopies can prevent cancer, according to a survey commissioned by the Alliance, and 98% of people asked said they would be more likely to undergo screening if they knew this life-saving fact. Even then, many Americans face another hurdle to proactive healthcare: limited time. The daily grind often zaps time for completing important health tests, according to survey participants. Laundry, childcare, and even filing taxes are being prioritized over screening.

The Alliance survey illustrated a population at risk due to basic misconceptions about colorectal cancer screening, but misunderstandings don’t end once a person’s mind is made up to get checked. The next question becomes, what test does the patient take? And with a variety of testing options available — including at-home options — it’s understandable that people feel uninformed, confused, or hesitant. 

The Alliance is addressing the confusion with its Screen Smart initiative, compiling insights from medical experts, researchers, and advocates to make colorectal cancer screening decisions easier for both patients and healthcare providers. The program will create easy-to-follow tools and plain-language resources so everyone can understand their options and take action.

“Our survey findings emphasize the need for Screen Smart to simplify and explain screening options in ways that connect with people,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Colorectal cancer is preventable, and the first step to saving lives is helping people understand why and how to get screened.”

In 2025, the Alliance also released a PSA called "Preventable" in Spanish and English. The television and radio spots aimed to educate about the preventability of colorectal cancer through screening, especially among the high-risk Hispanic population.

Recognizing Extraordinary Impact

TODAY anchor Craig Melvin and his wife, award-winning sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak — both pictured above — have dedicated countless hours to the mission to end colorectal cancer. The Alliance recognized their commitment as advocates and fundraisers at this year’s Blue Hope Bash gala in Washington, DC. The couple received the Blue Star Award, honoring individuals who display conviction and unwavering dedication to the Alliance’s mission.

Melvin and Czarniak have been prominent advocates since the death of Melvin’s brother, Lawrence Meadows, who passed away from colorectal cancer at age 43. Melvin serves on the Alliance’s Board of Directors and, together with his wife, co-founded the Bottoms Up Invitational, a concert and golf fundraiser that has raised more than $4.4 million over four years to support prevention, patient services, and research.

“The Bottoms Up Invitational isn’t just about incredible music, golf, and celebrity camaraderie, it’s about saving lives,” Alliance CEO Michael Sapienza said. “Craig and Lindsay are turning personal loss into powerful action, helping us shine a national spotlight on a disease that’s taking far too many young lives.”

Delivering Support and Science

In December, allies converge in Miami for two events — the Cure CRC Summit and AllyCon 2025. The Summit hosts researchers and oncologists from across the globe to share and build upon science toward new cures. At AllyCon, patients and caregivers gain access to world-class experts through sessions addressing issues across the cancer care continuum. 

Throughout the events, hundreds of people will meet, share, and build momentum toward ending colorectal cancer — a powerful display of community with impact far beyond Miami’s borders. 

The Alliance’s work is only possible because of its supporters. The Alliance is grateful for every ally adding momentum to the mission to end colorectal cancer. You can help move the mission forward today by donating or getting involved.