The Nico Stillman Foundation Hosts Gala to Benefit the Alliance

Young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to rise at alarming rates. The disease is being seen in more people in their 20s and 30s, and sometimes even younger. According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer in adults younger than 50 years of age has doubled since the 1990s, but the reason why is unclear. To accelerate its mission to end colorectal cancer, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance), the leading CRC nonprofit, plans to fund $100 million in research over the next two years through its Project Cure CRC initiative. In support of Project Cure CRC, The Nico Stillman Foundation (TNSF) is hosting its inaugural Every Day is a Gift Gala to benefit the Alliance and its efforts surrounding research for young-onset colorectal cancer. 

The Nico Stillman Foundation was founded by friends and family of Nico Stillman, who passed in 2022 at the age of 28 after a 10-month battle with colorectal cancer. The mission of TNSF is to improve the lives, health, and happiness of people with the disease by funding and empowering researchers, educators, and advocates. 

“Nico inspired everyone around him through his undying positivity and passion for bringing people together,” said Arjun Dundoo, Chairman of TNSF. “We’re honored to be able to harness his spirit to raise awareness of the rise of the disease among young adults.” 

While colorectal cancer is still most frequently diagnosed in people over age 65, incidence in that group is declining and patients under age 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease.

“Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50, yet the disease is still less known and less funded than other less deadly cancers,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We’re grateful to partner with The Nico Stillman Foundation and its Every Day is a Gift Gala to bring attention and funds to accelerating new treatments and research advancements through Project Cure CRC.”

The Every Day is a Gift Gala will take place from 8:00 p.m. to midnight (PST) on Friday, June 21, 2024 at BMO Stadium’s Sunset Deck in Los Angeles, CA, and will include fundraising, music, dancing, community, food, and drinks. Alliance Board member, Jana Babatunde-Bey, a veteran media industry executive, and film and television producer, will speak at the event. For more information and to purchase tickets visit everydayisagiftgala2024.eventbrite.com.

Founded on March 18, 1999, the Alliance has been making an impact on colorectal cancer prevention, care, research, and advancements for the past 25 years. The Alliance urges all Americans to learn about colorectal cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options with its free, easy screening tool at quiz.getscreened.org. The Alliance also offers critical resources for patients and caregivers, such as a toll-free helpline at 877-422-2030, free professional assistance via certified patient and family support navigators, financial assistance, peer support groups, and more. 

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. For more information, visit colorectalcancer.org.

About The Nico Stillman Foundation

The Nico Stillman Foundation is run by Nico’s closest friends and family. Our mission is to improve the lives, health, and happiness of people with colorectal cancer by funding and empowering researchers, educators, and advocates. Through our vision, we will create a world where all people diagnosed with cancer can thrive. For more information visit: thenicostillmanfoundation.org.

Media Contact

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