Blue Bash….

Social Chronicles

by Maurisa Potts | on October 19th, 2014 |

by guest contributor Maurisa Potts
Photo credit: Vithaya Phongsavan

The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation’s Annual Blue Hope Bash Gala on October 16th at The Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown was part of the “Love Your Butt” movement of hope and awareness that drew more than 300 guests.

This year’s theme was “Beyond The Limits” – elevating the need to talk about colorectal cancer, prevention measures and research advancements.

The evening featured live entertainment by Sound Impact, awards recognizing survivors and advocates, a silent auction and inspirational stories from colon cancer survivors.

“Tonight we honor the patients, survivors, and care givers that are in this ballroom that have showed such incredible strength and hope in fighting this disease”, said Michael Sapienza Founder & President of Chris4Life. “We have moved the needle a bit forward to help raise awareness for this preventable disease – this disease that is the #2 killer in men and women combined. But we still have work to do to expand even more our Love Your Butt movement that will ultimately save lives and get people screened.” Michael Sapienza (Founder & President of Chris4Life)

The event was emceed by Dan Shapiro, Ph.D. the Garner James Kline Professor of Humanities in Medicine and the Chair of the Department of Humanities at Penn State College of Medicine. Shapiro has written three books, Moms Marijuana, about his personal cancer experience, and a second memoir, Delivering Doctor Amelia, which focused on his psychological treatment of a physician.

Chris4Life handed out three awards:

1. The Christine Sapienza Memorial Award was given to Dr. John Marshall – Chief of the Oncology & Hematology Division at Georgetown University Hospital. He received the award for being at the forefront of treatment, advocacy, and awareness for Chris4Life and the colorectal cancer movement.

2. Ambassador of Hope Award was given to Debbie and Mark Whitmore for their continued support and guidance to the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation. Debbie, a mom to three boys, is currently battling colon cancer.

3. Andrew Kolar Advocate Award was given to Rachel Yingling for being and inspiration as an advocate and volunteer for Chris4Life and those that are affected by colorectal cancer. Rachel is currently battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

The evening raised $250,000 in which proceeds will benefit Chris4Life’s funding and facilitating of cutting edge research programs across the nation.