The Colon Club

The Colon Club is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about colorectal cancer, particularly among young adults under the age of 50. Founded in 2000, it was one of the first organizations to focus on early-age onset colorectal cancer.

History and Founding

The Colon Club was co-founded by Molly McMaster Morgoslepov, who was diagnosed with colon cancer on her 23rd birthday in 1999. At the time, she was told she might be the only patient in the country or the world facing the disease at such a young age. This experience motivated her to create an organization that would bring attention to colorectal cancer in young people through unconventional methods.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization is known for its innovative approaches to education and awareness, including:

• Colossal Colon: A 40-foot long, 4-foot tall crawl-through model of the human colon that showcases healthy tissue, diseases, polyps, and stages of colorectal cancer. This exhibit was part of a national tour and received widespread media attention.
• Colondar: An annual calendar featuring young survivors of colorectal cancer who share their stories and display their surgical scars. This project evolved into a magazine called "On the Rise" to further highlight the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
• Online Communities: The Colon Club established online forums and support groups, allowing survivors to connect and share their experiences.

Merger and Future Operations

As of 2023, The Colon Club merged with Fight Colorectal Cancer, another prominent nonprofit organization focused on colorectal cancer advocacy. Following the merger, The Colon Club operates as a program powered by Fight Colorectal Cancer, continuing its mission to raise awareness and support for young adults affected by early-onset colorectal cancer.

Mission

The Colon Club's mission is to educate and support individuals with colorectal cancer, particularly those under the age of 45, through innovative and engaging methods. It aims to create a community where young survivors feel empowered to share their stories and advocate for awareness.