Advocacy Organization Fight Colorectal Cancer and Bayer Kick-Start Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month at National Historic Landmark

NEW YORK, March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To raise awareness about colorectal cancer—the nation's second leading cause of cancer-related deaths—Fight Colorectal Cancer, a leading patient advocacy organization, and Bayer HealthCare have teamed up to host a full day of free educational activities in New York City's Grand Central Terminal. The activities are part of Fight Colorectal Cancer's One Million Strong campaign, inspired by the more than one million colorectal cancer survivors living in the United States.¹ The national education campaign aims to encourage action that leads to better prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of colorectal cancer.

"Fight Colorectal Cancer believes in the power of influence through sharing one's story, speaking up and taking action," said Anjee Davis, Vice President of Programs and Interim Executive Director, Fight Colorectal Cancer. "Together, we can inspire those around us to join the fight and strengthen the existing support network for survivors and those touched by the cancer."

"Bayer supports the advocacy community in their efforts to bring educational programs to the public," said Joseph Germino, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Oncology, Bayer HealthCare. "Underscoring our commitment to the colorectal cancer community, Bayer is proud to support Fight Colorectal Cancer and its One Million Strong campaign for the second year in a row."

Celebrities Getting Behind the Cure
Carmen Marc Valvo is an American fashion designer who has personally battled with colorectal cancer. As a survivor, he is eager to share his story in an effort to encourage others to spread the word about this disease, which can be highly curable if diagnosed at an early stage.

Country singer Craig Campbell is a big advocate for colorectal cancer awareness, motivated by his family connection to colon cancer. Campbell's father passed away from the disease at a very young age. Wishing he had the chance to get to know his father better, Campbell now lends his voice in hopes that he can help other families avoid the tragedy of losing a loved one from a disease that may be prevented.

Marching for a Cure
The general public is invited to join the activities in Vanderbilt Hall^® at Grand Central Terminal on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Activities for the public include:

• 9:00am – 6:00pm: The Inflatable Colon, an 8-foot tall, 20-foot long model colon that shows the difference between healthy and diseased tissue
• 9:00am – 6:00pm: Distribution of educational information about colon health; free photo booth; distribution of blue star temporary tattoos and other giveaways
• 9:30am – 11:00am: Free morning yoga class and dance workout led by fitness experts to promote healthy, active lifestyles
• 1:00pm: Performance by Craig Campbell who will also share his family's connection with colorectal cancer
• 1:30pm: Vow renewal ceremony to honor 20 survivors and their caregivers who have supported one another through their struggle with the disease. One bride will be wearing a custom couture blue dress designed by Carmen Marc Valvo
• 3:00pm: The One Million Strong March – a parade-like procession from Grand Central Terminal to the NASDAQ building in Times Square to showcase the collaboration between the colorectal cancer community in NYC

People across the country can participate in the One Million Strong March by joining the "Virtual March" using smartphones, computers or on-site iPads. For every person who joins, Bayer will donate $2 in an effort to raise up to $40,000 for Fight Colorectal Cancer. To join, visit www.MarchforCRC.com.

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum.¹ It is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of all cancer deaths in the nation.¹ In 2014, more than 135,000 Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and it is expected that 1 in 20 men and women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.¹

Today, there are more than one million colorectal cancer survivors living in the U.S.¹ As with many cancers, early detection can help fight and beat the disease. More than 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented with screening.² Everyone currently living with colorectal cancer should be working closely with their healthcare team on various aspects of their care.

About Fight Colorectal Cancer
Fight Colorectal Cancer is a leading colorectal cancer nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Through patient education, advocacy and research funding, the group spreads awareness and demands a cure for the second-leading killer in the United States. As the leading advocacy group, the organization serves as a resource for colorectal cancer patients, grassroots advocates, policy makers, medical professionals and health care providers. Learn more at http://www.FightColorectalCancer.org.

About Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals business of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a subsidiary of Bayer AG. Bayer HealthCare is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry, and combines the activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions.  As a specialty pharmaceutical company, Bayer HealthCare provides products for General Medicine, Hematology, Neurology, Oncology and Women's Healthcare.  The company's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human health worldwide by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.

Bayer^® and the Bayer Cross^® are registered trademarks of Bayer AG. 

www.epklink.com/onemillionstrong

References:

1. American Cancer Society. Key statistics for colorectal cancer. January 31, 2014. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003096-pdf.pdf. Accessed on February 6, 2014.
2. Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Chronic Diseases: Investing Wisely in Health, Screening to Prevent Cancer Deaths. August 2008. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/prevention/pdf/cancer.pdf. Accessed on February 6, 2014.

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SOURCE Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.