Mission
Mission
The mission of STARS is to save lives by expanding colorectal screening and treatment services for all communities in the state of Washington.
Vision
The colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. Our vision is to provide exceptional quality and information to every life we touch.
Goals
- increase the awareness of the benefits of being screened for colorectal cancer;
- provide psychological support to the families immediately upon they hear one of their members have colon cancer;
- broaden prevention, screening and treatment resources available to underserved populations;
- increase colorectal cancer screening rates;
- assist patients in navigating the medical system to assure an adequate standard of care;
- foster and promote collaborative relationships between providers and consumers to increase colorectal screening; and
- create professional advocates to promote screening.
History
S.T.A.R.S. was incorporated as a Washington nonprofit corporation on May 20, 2008 for the purpose of continuing the work started by the Colorectal Cancer Task Force (the “Task Force”), a committee comprised of over 13 public agencies, individuals and nonprofit organizations, including the Washington State, City of Seattle and King County Departments of Health. The Task Force, formed in 2001, is a committee of the Washington Comprehensive Cancer Control Partnership, a public–private partnership working to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. The Task Force was charged with reducing mortality from colorectal cancer in Washington by increasing colorectal cancer screening and increasing the capacity of the health care system to perform high-quality colorectal cancer screening.
In 2005, Anita Mitchell and Carmen Mitchell (not related), stage 4 colon cancer survivors and members of the Task Force, began contemplating the formation of an independent nonprofit organization to educate the public about colorectal cancer screening and the role of family history. Both Anita and Carmen were diagnosed with cancer in their early 40's, well below the age of 50 when routine screening is recommended. They had family history of colon cancer, but were unaware of this information until after they were diagnosed. Had they been armed with this important knowledge, they could have been screened in time to either prevent the cancer from developing or detect it at an earlier, more treatable stage. Their mission was to raise awareness about screening and family history of colon cancer to prevent other from developing this disease. Unfortunately, Carmen Mitchell passed away on March 8, 2006, before her dream could be realized. In Carmen's memory, Anita Mitchell created "Dress in Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness Day." In 2009, S.T.A.R.S. partnered with the Colon Cancer Alliance to make this awareness event nation-wide.
On March 9, 2010, Doreen Soliman was awarded the first STARS advocacy award for her outstanding contribution in outreach and education to the public about colorectal cancer. Doreen was a stage 4 rectal cancer survivor for ten years and in active treatment for 8 of those years. Doreen's activities included supporting Dress in Blue, holding awareness events at Stevens and North Star Hospitals; and media and newspaper interviews and health talks. Doreen also provided patient support at the Wellness House in Yakima, including educational lectures on colon cancer. Doreen lost her battle with colorectcal cancer on May 20, 2010.
Activities
Recent activities of Colon S.T.A.R.S. include:
Screening Guidelines - English and Spanish screening guidelines are available on small business-card size cards. In 2010, over 500,000 cards were printed and distributed to healthcare providers through-out Washington State and inserted in all prescriptions in March in Bartell and Costco pharmacies.
Awareness Programs - In 2010, STARS joined with the Washington State Department of Health to provide grants and awareness programs through-out Washington State.
Support of colon screening and cancer patients - STARS hosts peer-led support groups for patients and caregivers.
Dress in Blue - Show your support and increase your understanding of colon cancer. Begun in 2006 by S.T.A.R.S. leadership, wearing blue on a designated day(s) in March was established. In 2009, S.T.A.R.S. took this campaign to a national level by partnering with the Colon Cancer Alliance. In 2010, Seattle University went BLUE!
Mercer Island Rotary Awareness and Half Marathon - The Rotary Club of Mercer Island is a service organization who over the years has taken on increasing awareness for the prevention of Colon Cancer. They hold a yearly 1/2 Marathon dedicated on colon cancer awareness and prevention. In 2010, the yearly Race attracted 5,000 participants. Make a difference. Donate - form a team!
Speakers and Event Attendance - STARS supports workshops and events focused on colon cancer awareness and support, such as the Learn at Lunch Workshop in Yakima.
Partners
Crescent City Webs is a web development service based in Crescent City California, providing time and services supporting the STARS' website.
Washington Colon Cancer S.T.A.R.S., in partnership with The Colon Cancer Alliance, has made Dress in Blue Day a national event. Join us in this grassroots effort to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
The Mercer Island Rotary is a Founding Sponsor of Colon S.T.A.R.S. Their annual 1/2 Marathon is a major colon cancer awareness event in the Seattle, Washington area.
Sanofi-Aventis provided funding to provide the colon screening cards distributed through pharmacies and other venues. Sanofi-Aventis is a global pharmaceurtical company that discovers, develops, produces and markets innovative therapies that enhance people's lives. Their extensive research and development efforts include focus on colorectal oncology.
Barbara Crummins of Working Art, a Seattle based company, provided design time and support for colon cancer awareness literature.
Board of Directors and Officiers
Ann Stephens, Board Member and President
Tony Kevin, Board Member and Secretary
Janelle Kevin, Treasurer
Walter Boos, Board Member
Anita Mitchell, Board Member and Founder
Advisory Board
Ellen Phillips-Angeles, Chairman
Representative Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney
Anna Gottlieb
STARS Advisory Board Member
Story - Executive Director and founder of Gilda's Club, Seattle.
Background - Anna saw an article in People Magazine on rainy Seattle afternoon many years ago about the first Gilda's Club opening in New York City. She was so intrigued by the family focus and the hurmo that went along with a cancer support community that she went to NY to see it for herself. She was so convinced taht this wonderful program was needed in Seattle that she spent the last few years pursuring this dream. Gilda's Club Seattle officially opened its red doors on March 7th 2002. They now have over 2,500 members and continue to grow.
John Brandabur, MD
STARS Advisory Board Member
Story - Gastroenterology and Hepatology doctor; voted one of Deattle's Top Doctors by Seattle Metropolitan magazine in 2009 and 2010
Background - Jack received his M.D. from the Universeity of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his residency and internship at Virginia Mason.
Janelle Kevin
STARS Treasurer
Story - Caregiver
Activist activities - Janelle joined the Board of STARS to help eradicate colon cancer.
Background - Janelle has a background in finance. She is a native of Ellensburg. She lives in Monroe with her husband and three children.
Walter Boos
STARS Board Member
Story - Colon cancer survivor. Had screening at guideline age, with the support of a fellow church member and GI doctor.
Activist activities - Wally has been cancer free since completion of surgery and chemo for his cancer. He joined STARS to promote colon cancer awareness so more people will take colon cancer screening seriously.
Background - Wally's career has been in sales and executive leadership positions, with focus in technology industries. His past career positions have included Peat, Marwick Mitchell & Co., IBM, SynOptics, FORE Systems, Content Technologies and Local Marketers. He is currently CEO of All Treatment (www.alltreatment.com) and also works with Salire Partners (www.salire.com).
Wally graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in accounting. He lives on Mercer Island with his wife Paula, the "non-adult" portion of their six children, and two dogs. In his time away from work, he engages in life with family and friends, enjyoing ball games, vacation, adventures, reading, and bicycling.
Samuel Whiting, MD
STARS Advisory Board Member
Story - Colon cancer oncologist, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle
Background - Assistant professor, UW Medicine Medical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology; Assistant Member, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division
Dr. Whiting holds a B.S., Honors in Chemistry from Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon; MD and PhD, Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine; Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington; Fellowship, Medical Oncology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney
STARS Advisory Board Member
Story - Washington State legislator who initiated, supported, and made happen, legislation for insurance mandate of colon screening and financial programs to cover low income and uninsured people.
Background - Rep. Gutierrez-Kenney is the Washington State Representative for the 46th district.
Ellen Phillips-Angeles
STARS Advisory Board Member and Chairman
Story - Healthcare provider
Activist activities - As the Washington State Colorectal Task Force, Chairman, develops and coordinates activities through-out the state, including the founding of Colon STARS. As manager of the King County Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Programs, elimnates the barriers for low income or no insurance patients. Participates in advocacy activities at the state and national levels.
Background - Ellen is a Manager, Women's Health Unit, Public Health, Seattle and King County.
Tony Kevin
STARS Board Member and Secretary
Story - Colon cancer survivor, diagnosed at 41. Had no family history.
Activist activities - Tony joined the Board of STARS to help eradicate colon cancer.
Background - Tony is CEO of Salire Partners (www.salire.com). His career has ranged from creating and growing new companies to managing large sales logistics teams. He has served as VP of Sales for Multiple Zones, as well as sales and engineering manager for Cisco Systems.
Tony is a native of Washington. He lives in Monroe with his wife and three children.
Anita Mitchell
STARS Board Member and Founder
Story - Colon cancer survivor, diagnosed at 41 after two years of symptons and no support for colonoscopy.
Activist activities - Lobbying at the national and state levels for bills such as mandated halth insurance coverage for screening. Originator of Dress in Blue! - a national program of colon cancer awareness. American Cancer Society Ambassdaor. Patient navigator. Founder of Colonc STARS, inspired by herself and in memory of another cancer patient.
Background - Anita is a housewife and mother of three. Her awards have included Gilda's Club "Snapshot of Survival" recognition; Laurel of Advocacy Award, Prevent Cancer Foundation; 2010 Leadership Award, Colon Cancer Alliance.
Anita is a native of Port Angeles and lives in West Seattle.
Ann Stephens
STARS Board Member and President
Story - Colon cancer survivor, diagnosed 2005. Did not get screened at age 50, per guidelines.
Activist activities - As an author, has contributed personal stories to Cure, Healing, and Bernie Siegel's Faith, Hope and Healing, as well as research articles at psycho-oncology conferences, including A Comparison on On-line and In-person Support Groups and A Program for Chemotherapy Transition. As an American Cancer Society Ambassdaor, has advocated for colorectal cancer screening, which helped to bring about legislation in Washington State that expands that service to the uninsured and underinsured. She also serves as a University of Washington Medical patient advisor
Background - Ann has worked as a manager/executive in technology, including General Manager of Xtera Corp., Texas, and Vice-president of Development and Operations of CXR Telcom, California.
Ann is a native of Newport News, Virginia, who graduated from the Massachusetts of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and from Harvard University with a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics. She makes her home in Issaquah.
Rev. Vaughn Profit-Breaux
STARS Advisory Board Member
Story - Colon cancer survivor, diagnosed 2007. Participant in King County screening program
Activist activities - Volunteer with the local American Cancer Society as an advocate for colorectal cancer screening, which helped to bring about legislation in Washington State that expands that service to the uninsured and underinsured. He also works as an advocate on the national level with the Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) and is also a member of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Leadership Council, studying ways to bring universal healthcare to all Washingtonians.
Background - Vaughn Profit-Breaux is an ordained Baptist minister, serving the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle. Prior to being involved in advocacy for healthcare issues in general and colorectal cancer in particular, Rev. Profit-Breaux was a lobbyist, locally and nationally, for transportation and environmental initiatives. He has been employed by water, light rail, and monorail transportation organizations in the Seattle area. He has also worked closely with the White House, EPA, and local governments to establish policies surrounding the usage of recycled materials, especially in construction projects. Rev. Profit-Breaux has run state offices of a national presidential campaign and worked on campaigns for Mayor of Seattle and Executive of King County, in addition to serving on the steering committees of many other political campaigns.
Rev. Profit-Breaux is a native of New Orleans who graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has studied theology through the Graduate Theological Union, University of California, at Berkeley. He makes his home in Seattle.