About LSACCA

LSACCA was founded in April 2002 after the death of our mother, Lori Shelton, to colon cancer.  We are all too aware that our grief is not only due to the loss of our mom and best friend, but to the fact that she died needlessly.  Had she and her physician been aware of colon cancer's symptoms, and had colonoscopy been recommended to her at age 50, we feel certain she would be alive today. 

Education Campaign

LSACCA's education campaign has begun with the assistance of gastroenterologist Dr. David Walden of St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. We have worked together to develop brochures which we, with the help of volunteers, distribute to doctors' offices and hospitals in St. Louis as well as in other locations throughout the country. We participate in health education seminars associated with local hospitals, the annual Creve Coeur Citizens Care about Cancer Health Fair (of which we are committee members), other corporate and hospital health fairs, as well as in events such as the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Public Relations

We work to get this issue in front of people through our public relations efforts.  The LSACCA story has appeared on the front page of two St. Louis newspapers - the Suburban Journal's West County Journal on December 4, 2002 and the December 11, 2002 issue of the St. Louis Jewish Light.  Our involvement with the City of Creve Coeur, Missouri has been highlighted several times in the city's newsletter.  We appeared in an interview for a cover story by veteran medical reporter Al Wiman of NewsChannel 5, a St. Louis NBC affiliate.  The founders' alma mater, Maryville University - St. Louis, ran an informative story in the school's Summer 2003 magazine. In addition, our story was published in the United Ostomy Association's April 2003 newsletter and in the Fall 2003 STOP Colon/Rectal Cancer Foundation's national newsletter.

Fundraising

We also reach the public with LSACCA materials during fundraising events.  April 19, 2003 was our first official fundraiser, a "toll road", in which a team of fifteen volunteers collected donations from passersby.  In return, each car got helpful information regarding colon cancer prevention.

LSACCA is not only interested in help people realize the reality and devastation of colon cancer and the fact that they have the power to assure this will not happen to them or their loved ones.  We also would eventually like to set up our "Angel Network" in which we will be able to provide financial assistance to those without insurance to get the colonoscopy, and, if the test is positive, to have a place to turn for further assistance.

Community Involvement

We encourage employers to use their clout by accepting the selection of those health insurance agencies which have quality coverage for colo-rectal screenings - which includes coverage for colonoscopy at age 50, no questions asked, and earlier if family history or symptoms occur.  LSACCA is also working to involve these businesses and other volunteer organizations in helping us to share our message.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a tremendous asset.  You can help LSACCA to achieve our goals in a number of ways:

• Distributing our educational materials to hospitals, doctors’ offices, commercial sites – anywhere we can reach people.  It is a lack of information and understanding that took the life of our mother and over 57,000 people in the U.S. each year, and by providing this awareness to the public, we save lives.
• Helping to run LSACCA booths at health fairs.  Many hospitals, private companies, and communities host health fairs.  LSACCA is always happy to participate.
• Working with LSACCA on fundraisers, so that we may expand our materials, services, reach, and effectiveness. 

If you would like to volunteer for the LSACCA, please contact us.  After all, the more people receive this information, the more choice they have to not allow this disease to affect their lives.  We are making a difference.