WASHINGTON, March 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Colon Cancer Alliance presented country music superstar Alan Jackson and his wife, Denise, a colon cancer survivor, with its nationally recognized Sapphire Award for their outstanding efforts to bring greater awareness to colon cancer. The Sapphire Awards were created to recognize and celebrate innovators and leaders in the fight against colon cancer. Today, the Jacksons are leading the charge.
Since December, the Jacksons have donated all proceeds from their recent book, Seasons of Sweetbriar, which showcases photos of their previous estate, to the Colon Cancer Alliance in an effort to save lives and increase awareness about colon cancer. In addition, Alan Jackson played to a sold out crowd at the Colon Cancer Alliance's 5th Annual Stars Go Blue Benefit Concert in Nashville on March 20, 2013. Proceeds from Stars Go Blue will go to the Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund.
Jasmine Greenamyer, Chief Operating Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance, presented the Jacksons with the Sapphire Award at a reception before the concert, where 65+ fans witnessed this emotional moment. Charlie Kelley, Grammy-nominated artist/producer and Stars Go Blue/Blue Note Fund founder, and his wife, Nan Kelley, Great American Country host, were also recognized for their dedication to making this and every Stars Go Blue concert a success.
"Through their generosity, the Jackson's have provided the Colon Cancer Alliance with much-needed funding while raising awareness of colon cancer on a national level," said Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "They have committed their personal time and energy to spreading the word about the importance of being screened to help fight this disease. And, with proceeds from their Seasons of Sweetbriar book and the Stars Go Blue ticket sales going to the Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund, their generosity will help ease the financial burden of patients fighting the disease so they can focus on getting better, instead of worrying about how they were going to pay their next bill or feed their family."
Denise Jackson had no family history of colon cancer, ate healthy, never smoked and exercised regularly. But in 2010, at 50 years old, she was diagnosed with the disease. She never thought it would happen to her. Her message to America is that you can do all the right things and it can still happen to you. That's why she advocates for regular screenings as a way to foster early detection and a more effective treatment.
Colon Cancer Facts:
- Colon cancer affects 1 in 20 people.
- More than 143,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year.
- Nearly 52,000 people will lose their battle with the disease this year.
- Colon cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages or can be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer.
Seasons of Sweetbriar can be purchased through the official Alan Jackson website for $25 or $50 for a book autographed by Alan Jackson himself, while supplies last.
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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a community that provides hope and support to patients and their families, while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research.