Volunteer spotlight: Greg Schwem

Through the service of more than 2,000 volunteers across the country, the lives of colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers are greatly improved, and we grow closer to ending this disease together. In this Q&A, get to know Greg Schwem, a passionate and dedicated Colorectal Cancer Alliance volunteer from Illinois, and sign up to be a volunteer yourself! 

Can you tell us about yourself and your connection to colorectal cancer? 

I am a Chicago-based stand up comedian and business humor speaker. I specialize in delivering comedic and motivational keynote presentations for corporate clients worldwide. In February 2024, I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer, despite no family history and no symptoms. I underwent surgery to remove a tumor (and 18 inches of colon)  and luckily did not require chemo or radiation. My last colonoscopy was clean.

Why did you sign up to volunteer with the Alliance? 

As a comedian, I believe in giving back whenever possible, and doing so through laughter. After I received a clean bill of health, I began writing material about my cancer journey and trying it out in front of various audiences. Seeing their reactions made me realize that yes, one CAN laugh at cancer. That's why I decided to organize a stand up comedy event to benefit the Alliance this September. It's the first ever Alliance fundraiser to take place at a comedy club. But I certainly hope it won't be the last.

What have you found most rewarding about your volunteer service? 

Hearing stories from others, both survivors and those who have had a friend or relative diagnosed with colon cancer, who agree with my philosophy that laughter truly is the best medicine. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true.  

How do you think volunteerism impacts the mission to end colorectal cancer? 

You can't donate your time to a cause unless you are passionate about it. It doesn't matter if your volunteer efforts involve coaching Little League, reading books to underprivileged kids, working at a local food bank, etc. You chose to do this because you feel your time and effort can make a difference. Every Alliance volunteer I have come in contact with shares that philosophy. I feel it whether I'm meeting volunteers in person, kicking around ideas over Zoom or communicating via text or email. We believe a cure will be found and, when it is, we will know we played a role in it.

Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had while volunteering with the Alliance? 

During the 2025 Blue Hope Bash in Chicago earlier this year I was asked to do some brief stand-up comedy and then emcee a "speed round" of giving. During my stand up routine, I found myself getting emotional looking at the crowd and realizing why everybody was in attendance. There were numerous attendees battling stage IV (metastatic) colon cancer.  I had to briefly stop and compose myself, which has never happened in 30 years of doing stand up comedy. People sometimes think comedians are put on this earth just to make others happy and forget about their problems. But, like everyone else, we have "speedbumps" in life to deal with. I don't think there is anything wrong with displaying one's "human" side on stage. But I don't plan to cry during every show!