CCRAN launches its signature fundraising event in partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic, supporting Canadians affected by colorectal cancer with a special focus on younger adults.

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is thrilled to announce the launch of Bumbowl, a new signature fundraising event for the colorectal cancer community. Set for September 2027, the event will bring together patients, survivors, caregivers, families and supporters of all ages to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer programming, with a special focus on the rising rates of colorectal cancer among adults under 50. Registration and donation opportunities will open in January 2027, with further details to follow.

CCRAN is proud to partner with Canada's first and largest Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to support Bumbowl. This partnership will help CCRAN raise awareness, drive efforts to establish similar clinics across the country and advance best practices in the care and management of early age onset colorectal cancer.

Bumbowl will bring teams together for a day of bowling, food, drinks, entertainment, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction and a whole lot of fun. Teams are encouraged to sponsor a lane or fundraise individually, with 100 per cent of proceeds benefiting CCRAN's patient support, education, and advocacy initiatives, including efforts to promote the establishment of specialized young adult colorectal cancer clinics across Canada.

For six years, CCRAN has been proud to serve as a charity partner of Bumrun and is deeply grateful for the collaboration, funds raised and community connections fostered through the initiative. With the launch of Bumbowl, CCRAN is taking the next step in its fundraising efforts by hosting its own event.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada, with a growing impact on younger adults. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadians under 50 are now 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than previous generations at the same age. Bumbowl will help raise awareness of this trend and support people of all ages affected by the disease.

"Bumbowl marks an exciting new chapter for CCRAN," said Filomena Servidio-Italiano, President & CEO of CCRAN. "Twenty years after I founded this organization following my late father's metastatic cancer journey, I could not be prouder to launch an event that inspires and encourages our colorectal cancer community. Funds raised through CCRAN's Bumbowl will enable us to move forward as a community to address unmet needs and fill gaps in cancer care, especially for a highly vulnerable patient population."

Dr. Shady Ashamalla, a colorectal surgical oncologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Odette Cancer Centre, founder of Canada's first Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic and a member of CCRAN's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, highlighted the need for care that reflects the realities of younger patients.

"Younger adults facing colorectal cancer have very specific needs that extend far beyond minimally invasive surgery, including concerns about raising children and returning to work," said Dr. Ashamalla. "Dedicated young adult colorectal cancer clinics are meant to bring order to the chaos this diagnosis brings. I am very proud to support and participate in CCRAN's fundraising efforts as 100 per cent of funds raised through Bumbowl will help bring these specialized clinics to far more patients across our country as well as support our colorectal cancer community."

For patients like Andrew Hare, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 29, the launch of Bumbowl is deeply personal.

"When I was diagnosed, I remember feeling completely alone. There was nowhere to turn that truly understood what it means to face this disease as a young person," said Hare. "Bumbowl is more than a fundraiser. It's a chance for our community to laugh, celebrate and know we are not alone."

Mark your calendars for September 2027, with the exact Bumbowl date to be announced. Teams can start planning now, as registration, donations and lane sponsorship opportunities open in January 2027.

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About CCRAN

The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is a national, patient-focused advocacy group championing the health and well-being of Canadians affected by colorectal cancer and others at risk of developing the disease. We provide support, education and advocacy for patients and their caregivers to improve patients' quality of life and longevity.

SOURCE Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN)