Colon STARS Founder and Program Director

Anita is a nationally recognized advocate for patient’s rights. Her activities and awards include:

• Lobbying at the national level for National Cancer Coalition Survivorship, C3 Colon Cancer Collation, and Colon Cancer Alliance.

• On a state level she was instrumental in helping pass bill 1537 with her testimony for American Cancer Society. The passing of this bill mandated that insurance companies were required to cover colon cancer screening.

• Live strong delegate chosen twice to represent Washington State Survivors.

• Originator of DRESS IN BLUE DAY for colon cancer awareness, first held in 2006, designed to build screening awareness.  DRESS IN BLUE DAY was taken to the national level in 2009 when she partnered with CCA.

• Modeled for the colondar in April of 2007.  The colondar is a calendar produced by the Colon Club.  It’s intent is to bring awareness on a national level that  colon cancer is NOT just 50 and older!

• Laurel of Advocacy from Prevent Cancer Foundation.

• Leadership Award from Colon Cancer Alliance.

• Gilda’s club Snapshot of Survival.

• Seattle Rotary’s Self Above Service Award.

• Member of the Washington State Colon Cancer Task Force, Washington State Survivorship, and the End of Life and Palliative Care Committee. She is a buddy for Colon Cancer Alliance and a Speaker for medical students on request.

Media appearances include: various radio, newspaper, and television interviews.  She has appeared on Health Talk, King 5,50 ways to Prevent Cancer, It’s a New Day Seattle, Evening Magazine, and over 30 station media tours across the country!

Anita is a busy mother of 3 children and resides in West Seattle.