A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
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Honoring Dr. Thomas K. Weber: A legacy of hope, advocacy, and CRC awareness

A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.

Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, was the heart and soul of the now-dissolved Colon Cancer Foundation (est. 2008). An ardent advocate of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and awareness, Dr. Weber established in 2004 the nation’s first-ever public awareness event—the Colon Cancer Challenge. The Challenge, as it came to be widely known among its many supporters and participants, attracted thousands each year to New York City parks and raised millions of dollars in research funding. The final Colon Cancer Challenge was held in 2024.

To those fortunate enough to work with him, Dr. Weber embodied a powerful and inspiring combination of a brilliant mind, tireless work ethic, singular sense of humor, and deeply caring nature. We will never know how many lives were saved by his tireless advocacy for CRC screening and education or how many hearts were filled with hope and inspiration by his unwavering dedication to the cause. 
 

A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
A photo of the late Dr. Thomas K. Weber, MD, FACS, and associates.
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His inspiring career included roles as Chief of Surgery at the Einstein Division of Montefiore Medical Center in NYC, Chief of Surgical Services at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center, and culminated with his role as a Director of Surgical Oncology for Northwell Health in Westchester, NY. He was held in high esteem by his students and colleagues through his professorships at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate, and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. As a scientist, he led research funded by the American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, and private foundations to advance the understanding of the genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer and to increase colorectal cancer screening. He authored or co-authored over 80 scientific papers on the surgical management, genetic characterization, and screening for colorectal cancer.

Dr. Weber was active in organizations focused on surgical oncology, genetics, and cancer awareness, including the Society of Surgical Oncology, Human Variome Project, International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours, National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, and the New York City Department of Health Colon Cancer Control Coalition.

Dr. Weber passed away in September, 2019, following a battle with a particularly rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. While he did not live to see the realization of his vision (and the Colon Cancer Foundation’s mission) of “A World Without Colorectal Cancer,” his contribution to the mission against CRC is without parallel, and his memory continues to illuminate the way forward.

 

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