CCRAN

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and cherished member of the CCRAN community, Jessica Dasler. 💙

Jessica was an extraordinary human being — a devoted mom and wife, a fierce advocate, a trusted cancer coach and a valued member of CCRAN’s Patient Advisory Council. To those who had the privilege of knowing her, she was also a shining beacon of light, hope and strength.

Throughout her journey with colorectal cancer, Jessica chose to use her voice and her experiences to help others. She spoke openly and courageously, advocated passionately for patients and offered understanding and support to people navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As a cancer coach, she gave others something incredibly meaningful: the comfort of knowing they were not alone.

Jessica’s impact on CCRAN and the broader colorectal cancer community cannot be measured simply by the work she did. It lives in the people she supported, the conversations she helped change and the many lives she touched simply by being herself — warm, generous, determined and full of heart.

We feel incredibly fortunate that Jessica trusted CCRAN to be part of her journey and that we had the privilege of learning from her, advocating alongside her and witnessing the remarkable difference she made.

Above all, Jessica loved deeply. Our hearts are with her husband, her beloved daughter, her family and friends, and everyone who loved her.

Jessica, you gave so much of yourself to this community, even while carrying more than anyone should have had to carry. Your voice mattered. Your life mattered. And the light you brought into this world will remain with us.

You will be deeply, deeply missed. 💙

With love, always,
Your CCRAN family

Meet the people helping shape better cancer care for younger adults. 💙

Our 2026 Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium Expert Steering Committee brings together health professionals, researchers and patient advocates. Their knowledge and lived experience are helping shape a program focused on the needs of people diagnosed before age 50, across multiple cancer types.

We’re grateful for their guidance and commitment to younger adults and their families.

Join us online Nov. 19 and 20 for two days of learning, discussion and connection.

✅ Free registration
✅ Exclusive early access to session recordings

Register today: bit.ly/eaoc26

Today is World Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Day — a day to raise awareness and stand alongside everyone living with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Living with mCRC can bring uncertainty, difficult decisions, and challenges that extend far beyond treatment. Access to accurate information, personalized care, clinical trials, and meaningful support can make a meaningful difference throughout a patient's journey.

At CCRAN, we remain committed to amplifying patient voices, advancing awareness, and helping patients and families navigate the complexities of mCRC.

Together, we can advance Support, Education, and Advocacy for all Canadians affected by mCRC.

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and recognize the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of the residential school system.

The lasting effects of colonialism are also felt within Canada’s health-care system. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people continue to face barriers to timely, equitable and culturally safe cancer care.

At CCRAN, we recognize that reconciliation in health care requires listening to Indigenous voices, respecting Indigenous knowledge and advocating for cancer care that responds to the distinct needs and experiences of Indigenous communities.

Today and every day, we remain committed to listening, learning and supporting meaningful action toward reconciliation.

Cancer treatment decisions can come with a lot to consider.

For some people, how cancer treatment is delivered can make a difference in everyday life, from getting to appointments to managing work, routines and family responsibilities.

Some questions you might want to ask:

• Is this treatment available in more than one delivery option?
• What does each option involve?
• What could each option mean for my day-to-day life?

Learn more: mycancermychoice.ca



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Les décisions relatives aux traitements contre le cancer peuvent impliquer de nombreux facteurs.

Chez certaines personnes, le mode d’administration des traitements contre le cancer peut avoir une incidence sur la vie quotidienne, des déplacements pour aller aux rendez-vous à la gestion du travail, des routines ou des responsabilités familiales.

Voici quelques questions que vous pourriez vouloir poser :

• Existe-t-il différents modes d’administration pour ce traitement?
• En quoi consiste chacune de ces options?
• Quelles sont les répercussions potentielles de ces options sur ma vie quotidienne?

Apprenez-en plus : moncancermonchoix.ca

Improving our readiness for genomic testing will be a game changer for people living with cancer – and our entire health system.

Canada has made some progress, but we’re far from ready. See how we can do better: accesstogenomictesting.ca

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

The University of Strathclyde is conducting research to explore the quality of life and psychological well-being among people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. As part of this study, patients are invited to share their experiences through an anonymous online survey and an optional follow-up interview.

Patients' unique perspectives can provide valuable insights that inform colorectal cancer care.

If this applies to you or someone you care for, we encourage you to reach out to learn about the study and how you could help.

Access the survey here: https://bit.ly/4x7wXhY

📧 [email protected]

CCRAN’s September newsletter is here! 📰

This month, we are reflecting on 20 years of support, education and advocacy while looking ahead to the work still to come.

Inside this issue:

• CCRAN celebrates its 20th anniversary
• The State of Readiness 2.0 report highlights gaps in access to genomic testing
• Registration opens for our 2026 Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium
• Free tools help colorectal cancer patients explore treatment options and manage side effects
• Upcoming education, advocacy and community outreach opportunities

Catch up on the latest news, resources and ways to get involved: https://bit.ly/4iCtzqp