Bill Swanson Memorial Fund

A knight in shining armor

Bill Swanson, who filled rooms with his distinctive laugh and charismatic smile, soaked up every aspect of life and built countless friendships along the way. He was a relentless giver to the love of his life, Michelle, and his two step-sons, Tyler and Nicholas. Bill and Michelle met at Turner Construction, where he had worked for 32 years. He constructed buildings the same way he lived life — with dedication, positivity, and enthusiasm.

Bill and Michelle were married on June 11, 2016, after a blissful 11 years together. Shortly after their wedding, Bill was diagnosed with stage IIIb colon cancer at age 52, which later metastasized. Even in waning health, Bill always lived life with the glass completely full, and he was forever an optimistic person. A resident of Warrington, Pennsylvania, Bill was highly involved in Philadelphia-area community organizations. To Michelle, he was a knight in shining armor.

Bill died on January 19, 2017, at age 53, from respiratory complications associated with his colon cancer treatment.

Read more about Bill's story on the Colorectal Cancer Alliance blog.

The Bill Swanson Memorial Fund

When it came to cancer, Bill’s zest for life was also his Achilles heel. He did not heed his body’s warning signs, preferring to power through ailments, and he skipped three scheduled colonoscopies after he had turned 50. By the time Bill got checked out, it was too late.

The Bill Swanson Memorial Fund seeks to inspire awareness about the life-saving importance of colorectal cancer screenings. In partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the Fund will support efforts to increase knowledge about and access to screenings that can prevent cancer from developing or catch it early, when it’s easiest to treat.

As many as 40% of at-risk adults have not received a preventive colorectal cancer screening. Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent this disease.

“Listen to your body, pay attention to little signs. Be an advocate for your health and if you have an illness, take the time to heal. Had he gotten a colonoscopy when he turned 50, maybe the outcome would have been different. Colorectal cancer is treatable if caught early.”

-Michelle Swanson