Fight CRC's 2025 Call-on Congress and Initiatives: A Q&A with Ben White
Written by Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ
Ben White
In an enlightening conversation with YMyHealth, Ben White, Federal Policy Manager at Fight CRC, discusses the organization's upcoming Call-on Congress event and other crucial initiatives for 2025. As both a Navy veteran and a colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at age 26, White brings unique insights to his role in advocacy and policy work.
Q: What led you to your role at Fight CRC?
A: My journey to Fight CRC wasn't a direct path. I started as a Navy helicopter pilot, but my career changed direction when I was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. After treatment left me with side effects that made flying unsafe, I separated from the Navy. During my treatment, I found Fight CRC and became a long-time volunteer and advocate. I pursued a master's degree in public policy and am currently working on my PhD in Health Policy. Last summer, the stars aligned when Fight CRC was looking for a federal policy manager, allowing me to join the team full-time.
Q: What does your role as Federal Policy Manager entail?
A: I manage all federal aspects of Fight CRC's work, including both congressional matters and tracking agency activities like Medicare, Health and Human Services, and the National Cancer Institute. A crucial part of my role is ensuring the patient's perspective is represented in policy discussions. While many industries have a constant lobbying presence on Capitol Hill, healthcare advocacy relies heavily on patients, caregivers, and families sharing their stories directly with legislators.
Q: Can you tell us about the upcoming Call-on Congress event?
A: Call-on Congress 2025 will take place March 9-11 in Washington, DC. Here's the schedule:
March 9: Volunteer Day featuring the "United in Blue" installation, where we'll place 27,400 flags on the National Mall representing those who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 by 2030
March 10: Hill Day training and educational presentations, including updates from CISNET researchers who helped lower the screening age recommendation
March 11: Hill Day, where over 250 advocates meet with their congressional representatives
This year is special as it marks Fight CRC's 20th anniversary, which we'll celebrate with a special dinner after Hill Day.
Q: Why should different groups consider attending Call-on Congress?
A: For survivors and current patients, it's an incredible opportunity to advocate for issues affecting the colorectal cancer community and connect with others who understand their journey. Caregivers benefit from crucial peer support and networking opportunities, as the caregiving journey continues well into survivorship. For young adults who aren't directly affected, it's an opportunity to make a difference in a growing health crisis – colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50 and is projected to become the leading cause for all people under 50 by 2030.
Q: What new initiatives is Fight CRC launching in 2025?
A: Several exciting initiatives are underway:
The Junior Advocate Program continues to grow, offering special training for young advocates at Call-on Congress
The Colon Club has merged with Fight CRC and is relaunching its awareness programs, including Colon Camp
The Colorectal Cancer Care Initiative, developed with various stakeholders, aims to improve care measurement and outcomes
A global research think tank in Barcelona will bring together international researchers to study the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer
Q: How can people get involved with Fight CRC if they can't attend Call-on Congress?
A: There are several ways to participate:
Join the mailing list at fightcrc.org
Use the online screening quiz
Access the chatbot for immediate answers about colorectal cancer
Join the Community of Champions online network
Participate in local district advocacy during congressional recesses
Help distribute provider resources as a resource champion
White emphasizes that while Call-on Congress is their flagship event, advocacy is a year-round effort with many ways to contribute, regardless of ability to travel to Washington, DC.
Want to learn more? Check out the full conversation on the YMyHealth podcast.