Cancer Screenings and Awareness Can Be a Game Changer
The Drew Gross Forever Foundation provides philanthropic support to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s community outreach program.
By the time Drew Gross was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, it was too late. He passed away less than a year after diagnosis.
Not wanting another family or friend group to experience this type of loss, Gross’ loved ones created the Drew Gross Forever Foundation to honor his memory and to raise awareness about the need for early screening for colorectal cancer. One way the foundation is doing this is by helping to fund the Sylvester Game Changer™ vehicles at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System. Sylvester is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida and one of the nation’s top 50 cancer centers, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
“The minute I first read about the Game Changer, I knew it was the perfect fit for the foundation,” said Rochelle Lanster, Gross’ sister. “Not only does its mission align perfectly with what we wanted to accomplish, but my brother was also the biggest UM fan. Growing up in Miami, he loved everything about the U. His passion was UM sports and he went to all the games. Supporting Sylvester’s Game Changer vehicles just seems so right.”
Supporting Cancer Screenings
As part of Sylvester’s community outreach effort, the Game Changers’ three mobile units bring free cancer screenings and education to communities throughout South Florida. A team of multilingual health care professionals screen individuals for a variety of disorders, including colorectal and prostate cancers, gastric cancers, head and neck cancers, HIV (an indicator of many cancers) and more.
The Game Changer vehicles are largely supported through philanthropy. According to Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for community outreach and engagement at Sylvester, donations ensure that they can fulfill their mission and be a tangible presence throughout South Florida communities that may not have ready access to cancer prevention and early detection.
“We are honored that the Drew Gross Forever Foundation chose to honor Drew’s memory through generous support for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Game Changer vehicles,” said Dr. Kobetz, who is also Sylvester’s vice president for health promotion and chief well-being officer, the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and co-director of the Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute. “These vehicles close gaps in cancer education and screening throughout South Florida. The funds that the Drew Gross Forever Foundation provided will enable us to augment and expand our work in colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.”
Early Cancer Detection Saves Lives
This is critical work because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is now one in 23 men and one in 25 women. Additionally, the incidence of colorectal cancer in people younger than age 55 is rising.
The Drew Gross Forever Foundation urges screenings beginning at age 45 or earlier for those at higher risk. Drew was 50 years old when he was diagnosed. At that time, the recommended initial colonoscopy screening was age 50. It is now 45. His loved ones believe that had his cancer been detected earlier, he would have had a better chance of survival.
Close friend Mike Jacobs says Gross never liked to make things about himself but would be proud of all that they are accomplishing in his honor.
“In teaming up with the Game Changer, the synergy was instant, as we share the same core values,” said Jacobs, who serves as president of the Drew Gross Forever Foundation. “I’m excited to see how this relationship grows. We intend to raise as much money as possible to benefit UM, Sylvester and the Game Changer vehicles.”
Be a Team Player
Beyond encouraging early screening and prevention, the Drew Gross Forever Foundation also promotes healthy lives through youth sports. To honor his legacy, a small portion of the foundation’s fundraising goes to support local youth sports programs. Drew had been a lifelong athlete, playing in an adult community softball league and coaching young players.
The Drew Gross Forever Foundation’s biggest fundraiser is an annual golf tournament. Through participation or sponsorship, supporters can help drive change by raising funds for colon cancer awareness and supporting youth sports development.
If you would like to support the Game Changer Program’s cancer screenings and awareness in underserved communities, please contact Sylvester Sr. Philanthropy Officer Noah Youngstrom.
Tags: colon cancer, colorectal cancer, Dr. Erin Kobetz, fundraising, Game Changer, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center