Stacy Korzenieski lost her cousin Gary Tripp 10 years ago to colorectal cancer.

Dozens of Brooks-TLC staff members showed support for colorectal cancer awareness Friday by wearing the color blue in recognition of National Dress in Blue Day.

All of March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, but staff came out in droves to show support for CRC patients and survivors. By wearing any and all shades of blue, staff hope to remind community members to contact their primary care physician to get screened.

Stacy Korzenieski lost her cousin, Gary Tripp, 10 years ago to colorectal cancer — he was only thirty one years old. In his honor, Stacy displays the number “19”, Gary’s jersey number for every sport he played. Stacy’s sad loss is just one of the many stories heard today. And in his memory, she got the conversation started.

According to Cancer Services Program of Steuben Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, in 2021 an estimated 149,500 people in the United States will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the state.

There are approximately 11,000 new cases of CRC diagnosed each year in the state and about 4,000 men and women die from the disease annually. Fortunately, recent studies show that regular and appropriate screening and polyp removal can prevent colorectal cancer when detected early. For those without insurance or a high deductible, Cancer Services Program of Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties can provide free CRC screening by calling 877-778-6857 or 607-385-3933.