Westporters Craig Melvin & Lindsay Czarniak To Host Charity Event

Information from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance:

WESTPORT, CT — Westport, CT, power couple Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak are teaming up with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Bottoms Up Invitational golf tournament and concert to raise awareness and funds in honor of Craig’s brother Lawrence Meadows, who died from the disease at the age of 43. Despite being more fatal than most cancers, colorectal cancer is less known and less funded. In an effort to duplicate last year’s event which raised $1.1 million, Craig and Lindsay will be joined by notable celebrities eager to make an impact during the Connecticut events on September 24-25.

The opening reception and concert featuring members of Hootie & The Blowfish, the Spin Doctors’ Chris Barron, saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis, singer, songwriter and guitarist Edwin McCain, The Voice alumni Ray Boudreaux, Javier Colon, and Preston Pohl, and more amazing artists will take place at 6 p.m., September 24, at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. A celebrity golf invitational will take place at 8 a.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk on September 25, featuring TV Hosts Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Sterling Sharpe, Harry Smith, and Rutledge Wood, as well as actress Stephanie Szostak, among others.

Colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women combined, is on the rise in people under age 50. It is the only cancer that is preventable, yet it’s estimated to be the deadliest cancer among 20-49 year olds by 2030, if things remain the same.

“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”

Bottoms Up Invitational concert tickets are $275, and include dinner, an open bar, mingling with celebrities, a live auction, a concert, and an after party. Proceeds from the events will benefit the community served by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s programs that advocate for prevention, magnify support, and accelerate research. To sponsor the golf tournament, purchase concert tickets, or donate, visit ccalliance.org/events.

About The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention, magnifies support, and accelerates research. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime. For more information, visit ccalliance.org.

Top 10 Colorectal Cancer Facts

● In 2023, an estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S., and an estimated 52,550 will die — making this disease the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.
● The average lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is one in 24, and age is the biggest risk factor. Most cases are diagnosed in people over age 50.
● Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening. With early detection, it’s highly treatable. Localized colorectal cancer (the earliest stage) has a 91% survival rate with treatment.
● The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom. When symptoms are present, they include blood in or on stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
● Black/African Americans have the highest mortality rate and second-highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the U.S. Black Americans are both 35% more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 20% more likely to develop it than non-Hispanic whites.
● The incidence rate of young-onset colorectal cancer is rising. In people under 50 years old, the incidence rate is increasing by 1.5% every year. According to the latest data, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men aged 20–49 years.
● Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent colorectal cancer. Still, a third of eligible adults is not getting screened. In late 2020, the CDC estimated that 68% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all eligible people were screened. Members of the public can get a free screening recommendation based on personal risk factors at quiz.getscreened.org.

● People who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring) with colorectal cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease. They should speak to a doctor about getting screened earlier than normal.
● Simple ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer include eating healthy, not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting red meat intake, and adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet.
● There are more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.