Shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance established the Care During COVID-19 Fund to make possible the patient support programs our community needs the most during this crisis. 

Together, our generous supporters have donated an incredible $322,138 to our Care During COVID-19 Fund, which has allowed the Alliance to help those in most need 34,598 times in just three months. From our Helpline and Clinical Trial Finder to the daily digital chats and our financial assistance program, our patient support services have never waivered during this challenging time. 

Because of our community’s incredible generosity, we’ve been able to preserve (and even expand) these critical offerings to ensure we are caring for those patients and caregivers who need it most. 

Here is what our supporters have helped us achieve:

• Supported 6,284 callers to the Helpline
• Hosted 1,775 people in virtual chats
• Facilitated more than 47,000 comments in our online communities
• Processed 1,071 financial assistance applications
• Provided COVID-19 testing for 25 people receiving a colonoscopy via the Screening Assistance Program
• Navigated 123 patients seeking potential life-saving options through our Clinical Trial Finder

What’s next? 

Cancer hasn’t stopped during COVID-19, but the pandemic has created a new need and numerous challenges that are critical to address across our screen, care, and cure pillars. 

Screenings have dropped by 86% relative to averages prior to January 20, resulting in at least 18,000 additional missed or delayed colorectal cancer diagnoses in the early March to early June timeframe alone. The Alliance is working tirelessly to address the urgent need for screening awareness and navigation to all types of options for effective colorectal cancer prevention. 

Sadly, we also know there will be an even greater need for patient support as we see the ripple effect of more and later diagnoses. The Alliance is holding steady to support the community as we navigate newly diagnosed patients and those still struggling with cancer in these uncertain times. 

Research has also slowed during this time, leading to delays in life-saving trial opportunities for potential participants and in critical medical knowledge. Many clinical trials that paused enrollment are now reopening, and the Alliance remains committed to supporting the research community as well as patients as they navigate these existing-yet-elusive trial options.

The last few months have been challenging for all of us. But just as we’ve done for 21 years, the Alliance will remain the go-to resource for those on a colorectal cancer journey. Neither a virus, nor a pandemic, nor an economic recession will deter us. 

Now is the time to lend your support to colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members: Donate here.