Research Foundation Raises $129,615

Jagelman, Monahan Awards Honor Advocacy, Awareness Efforts

Dr. Patricia Roberts Honored with Mentor Award

National Media Award Winners

International Scholar Report:
Prof. James O’Riordan

Health Policy Scholarship Report by Dr. Robert Cima

Regional Award Winners

International Scholar Report:
Dr. Martin Hübner

Society Thanks Corporate Supporters

Vancouver to Host 2011 Meeting

ASCRS presented two new awards to recognize colorectal cancer advocacy efforts and journalistic excellence in reporting on the disease during the Minneapolis Annual Meeting:

• The David Jagelman, MD, Award for Advocacy in Colorectal Cancer was presented to Colon Cancer Coalition founder Kristin Tabor, Bloomington, MN.  

• The Jay Monahan Award, which honors outstanding reporting that promotes greater public understanding of colon and rectal cancer, was given to Dennis Douda, WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, MN.

ASCRS President Dr. David Beck (left) and Public Relations Committee Chair Dr. Harry T. Papaconstantinou present the David Jagelman, MD, Award for Advocacy in Colorectal Cancer to Colon Cancer Coalition founder Kristin Tabor.

Public Relations Committee Chair Dr. Harry Papaconstantinou, Temple, TX, praised Tabor for founding the Colon Cancer Coalition and leading its rapid growth to a major colon cancer advocacy group.

“Kristin’s achievement deserves recognition in the tradition of patient advocacy pioneered by our own Dr. David Jagelman,” Dr. Papaconstantinou said.  Dr. Jagelman, an ASCRS member and chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida, was a widely admired patient advocate who founded and directed the Cleveland Clinic’s Familial Polyposis Registry.

Tabor founded the Colon Cancer Coalition and Get Your Rear in Gear in 2005, after her sister, Susie, who coined the phrase “Get Your Rear in Gear,” had died of colon cancer.  In 2009, the Twin Cities event attracted 4,300 participants and raised more than $280,000.  Similar Get Your Rear in Gear events are planned in cities across the nation.

Douda, an Emmy Award-winning reporter, was recognized for his series on colorectal cancer, “Preventable, Treatable, Beatable.”  The 2009 report earned the Minnesota Medical Association’s Award for Excellence in Medical Journalism.

“For each of the past 10 years, Dennis has found hope and important insight to share with viewers in his reporting on colorectal cancer awareness, prevention and treatment,” said Katie Couric, Anchor and Managing Editor of the CBS Evening News, who participated in the awards ceremony via satellite.  “Dennis’ dedication, passion for words and incurable curiosity make him an exceptional television journalist and advocate in the fight against colorectal cancer.”