Latisha Smith-Chase, MD Medical Director, Quality | Fort Memorial Hospital
Latisha Smith-Chase, MD Medical Director, Quality | Fort Memorial Hospital
Fort HealthCare is set to launch a community-wide awareness campaign in recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative is made possible by a $7,000 donation from the Tomorrow’s Hope JHS Ambassadors at Jefferson High School. The funds were raised during the school's 10th annual Hoops for Hope event, which is led by students to support local healthcare causes.
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it remains one of the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early. Fort HealthCare emphasizes the importance of routine screenings, particularly for adults aged 45 and older or those with a higher risk due to family history or other health factors. The upcoming campaign will aim to educate the community on early detection and prioritize screening.
Christopher Barron, Executive Director of Population Health & Clinical Services at Fort HealthCare, expressed gratitude for the student-led initiative: “We are incredibly grateful to the students behind Hoops for Hope for their commitment to supporting local health initiatives.” He added that the donation would drive efforts aimed at reducing colorectal cancer deaths through screening and early detection.
Hoops for Hope began in 2014 as a collaboration between Tomorrow’s Hope and local students seeking to make a difference. Over time, it has become a significant fundraiser with students directing funds toward pressing local healthcare needs.
In 2022, the club was rebranded as Tomorrow’s Hope JHS Ambassadors to highlight its focus on student leadership and community impact. For the 2024-2025 school year, 81 students joined forces with student advisor Toby Krause and Tomorrow’s Hope Executive Director Todd Wiedenhoeft to plan fundraising events and choose causes worth supporting.
“This event is about more than just raising money—it’s about students learning how they can have a real impact on their community,” said Todd Wiedenhoeft. “Their support for Fort HealthCare’s colorectal cancer awareness campaign shows just how committed they are to making a difference.”
Fort HealthCare continues its advocacy for preventive healthcare and early detection through collaborations with organizations like Tomorrow’s Hope. These partnerships aim to facilitate access to necessary screenings and information vital for maintaining health.
Alerts Sign-up