How to Join the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer by Volunteering or Donating

Not including skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Thankfully, the colon and rectal cancer rates have been going down for older adults since the 1980s. This is because more people are getting screened or making lifestyle changes. 

For adults under age 50, the news isn’t as promising. Colorectal cancer rates have begun to rise over the past 5 years. No matter your age, if you or someone you love has been impacted by colorectal cancer, you may want to take action. 

Below you’ll discover organizations involved in everything from research to financial help. And you’ll learn ways to join the fight against colorectal cancer as a volunteer, donor, or advocate.

Get involved in fundraising events

You can find organizations that support people with colorectal cancer across the country. Some are national organizations that fundraise for cancer in general, like the American Cancer Society (ACS). Others focus specifically on colorectal cancer. Examples include the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer. 

These organizations offer a variety of programs and ways to get involved. You may also find smaller organizations in your community that you can support. 

Walking fundraiser events

Colon Cancer Coalition holds close to 50 “Get Your Rear in Gear” walking and running events  each year. They’re held in many cities across the U.S.

Fight Colorectal Cancer hosts a ”Climb for a Cure” event in Denver, Colorado, every year. In 2020, they took the “climb” virtual. Over 900 people across the country created their own climbs to support colorectal cancer. 

These are just examples of events you can attend either in prison or virtually. You can be involved as an event volunteer, participant, or donor. 

Start your own fundraising event

You can also start your own fundraising event. If you have an idea, share it with organizations like Stand Up to Cancer, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and Colon Cancer Coalition. They’ll support your efforts to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer. You can also create your own fundraising page on Fight Colorectal Cancer’s website. 

Become a voice in the fight against colorectal cancer

One of the best ways you can join the fight against colorectal cancer is to speak up. When people affected by colorectal cancer lend their voices, people and policymakers listen. 

Become an advocate

There are many ways to become an advocate or learn more about advocacy opportunities. A few places to start include:

• Stand Up to Cancer: Receive training and tools to become an advocate for cancer research and policy.

• Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Get involved by calling legislators and sending letters. You can also help with other colorectal cancer policy efforts.

• Colon Cancer Prevention Project: Learn about colorectal cancer legislative efforts. There are many ways to help, including contacting your state representatives.

• Fight Colorectal Cancer: Find out more about state and federal policy priorities and ways to get involved.

Share your story

Another way you can help and inspire others is by sharing your story. Many organizations have platforms that you can use to do this. Examples include the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and the Cancer Action Network. 

You can also check with your local cancer center, hospital, or your media outlet.   

Work with people who have colorectal cancer

If you or someone you love is a colorectal cancer survivor, you can provide education and emotional support to others. 

Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities in their offices, at events, and in communities. For example, you can join a Buddy Program. This can connect you with current patients, other survivors, or their family members. You can provide encouragement and support as they navigate treatment and recovery.

Other opportunities include handing out educational resources or writing thank-you notes to donors.

Donate to help people with colorectal cancer

Volunteering is just one of the ways you can get involved. You can also donate money to colorectal cancer organizations. You can find ones that conduct research or help people pay for their treatment. Some organizations also accept donated items.  

Colorectal cancer charities

• The Blue Hat Foundation raises money to educate and raise awareness about colorectal cancer. They also provide free screenings for medically underserved communities.

• Molly McMaster Morgoslepov started the Colon Club after she was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 23. Today, the Colon Club raises money to spread awareness about colorectal cancer with a focus on people under 45. 

• The Colorectal Cancer Coalition has three important goals. These are to educate the public, promote screenings, and keep any funds raised at local events in those communities. You can create a memorial page and open a donor-advised fund (with tax benefits) through their site. You may be able to double your donation through a matching gifts program with your employer. The Colorectal Cancer Coalition also accepts goods and services as donations.

Colorectal cancer research

• The Colorectal Cancer Alliance runs the Chris4Life Research Program. It’s considered the world's largest organization of its type. It’s dedicated to funding colorectal cancer research.

• The Colon Cancer Foundation supports research, advocacy, and education efforts. This is done through corporate partnerships, donations from individuals, and gifts from stock or securities. They also have a matching gifts program through employers.  

• Fight Colorectal Cancer funds colorectal cancer research. They do this by bringing together leading scientists through workgroups. They also train and support research advocates and promote health equity.

Donations directly to people with colorectal cancer

• CancerCare has a financial assistance program. This helps pay for treatment-related costs, like home care, child care, and transportation.

• The Colon Cancer Prevention Project’s Fighters’ Fund offers financial help to people with colon cancer. Donations provide one-time grants to people in Kentucky and southern Indiana. 

• Meredith’s Miracles provides financial help to young people diagnosed with colon cancer. They help with daily living expenses, such as past-due rent, utility bills, and car repairs.

How do I know if a charity or nonprofit is legitimate?

One way to determine if an organization is trustworthy is by looking at how they spend their money. You can ask a charity for a copy of their financial statements. You can also check the following websites. They look closely at the organization’s spending and publish a review online: 

• BBB Wise Giving Alliance reviews charity accountability based on 20 giving standards.

• Charity Navigator has published ratings and reviews for close to 200,000 charities.

• GuideStar collects data on nonprofits to help you make informed decisions.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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