Bill Swanson Memorial Fund

Promoting awareness, honoring a legacy, and supporting healing through action

Bill Swanson filled every space he entered with warmth, a booming laugh, and an infectious energy for life. He was a loving husband, a devoted stepfather to Tyler and Nicholas, a master builder, and a community stalwart. He met the love of his life, Michelle, at Turner Construction, where he spent 32 years not just constructing buildings, but building connections, stories, and memories.

Married on June 11, 2016, after 11 joyful years together, Bill and Michelle embraced life side by side. But just weeks after their wedding, Bill was diagnosed with stage IIIb colon cancer at age 52. True to form, even as the disease progressed, Bill’s optimism and love for life never wavered.

He passed away on January 19, 2017, from respiratory complications related to his treatment, at the age of 53. To Michelle, he was a knight in shining armor: a man of heart, humor, and heroic love.

From Grief to Impact

Michelle Swanson has since turned unimaginable loss into a force for good. Through motivational storytelling and mental health advocacy, Michelle openly shares the complexities of grief, the enduring love she holds for Bill, and the urgency of prevention.

In her own words:

“In our wedding vows, Bill and I said “And now I get to solve the world’s problems with you”. Since his passing, I’ve held tightly to those words. The way I honor our vows, and navigate the world I’ve been catapulted into, is through education. By sharing Bill’s story and my own journey through grief, I hope to inspire as many people as possible to get screened.”

Michelle’s reflections have helped others navigating grief and cancer caregiving feel seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Watch Michelle’s reflections on healing and hope

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Bill’s story is a powerful reminder: screening saves lives.

Like many, Bill delayed his colonoscopy, missing multiple scheduled appointments after turning 50. By the time he was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread. His journey, and the heartbreak that followed, drives our mission forward.

The Bill Swanson Memorial Fund, in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, is committed to increasing access to and awareness of life-saving colorectal cancer screenings. With up to 40% of at-risk adults still unscreened, this must change.

“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

But the impact of this disease isn’t only physical. Grief, uncertainty, and isolation can be overwhelming for patients, survivors, and the families who love them. By sharing Bill’s story, and Michelle’s emotional journey through loss, we aim to break the silence surrounding both cancer and mental health.

When we prioritize emotional well-being alongside preventive care, we empower individuals to act, to heal, and to connect. In the spirit of Bill’s joy, energy, and unwavering positivity, this fund brings people together to reflect, support one another, and create lasting change.

Every screening. Every shared story. Every step forward moves us closer to a world where fewer lives are lost, and no one faces cancer alone.

Honor Bill. Empower Others.

Your support of the Bill Swanson Memorial Fund is more than a donation: it’s a step toward saving lives, and honoring the life of a man who gave so much.

Make a gift. Share Bill’s Story.