I am fighting on behalf of my grandfather, Bill O'Neill. He wore many hats during his life, including as a Marine, Phoenixville Fire Chief, founder of Phoenixville's Water Rescue and Fire Prevention programs, and reading tutor to an extremely reluctant 7 year old who really, really hated doing her homework and seemed to think it was an unfair surprise every single day.

When he lost his battle to colon cancer, I was a senior in high school. I remember speaking to hundreds of people on the day of his viewing, all of whom shared the laughter they'd shared with him and the small acts of service he had performed all over our little community. People I had never met before told us about tasks he had done around their house, favors he had done, and jokes he had told along the way.

Colon cancer is estimated to be 90% preventable through proper screening and preventative care; but, like many of us, my grandfather had not received his routine screening. He had so much service and so much laughter left to provide, and we lost him too soon.

I am fighting because no one should lose their lives due to lack of awareness or access to screening. My grandfather was my best friend, and I'm hoping that through this effort I can honor his memory while helping to raise awareness for this condition!