About Behind the Blue Ribbon

Behind the Blue Ribbon: Unseen Faces of Colorectal Cancer is a multimedia awareness and education project supported by the 2025 HealtheVoices Impact Fund. Created by and for the colorectal cancer (CRC) community, the project shines a light on the lived experiences of patients whose stories are too often unseen; those navigating long-term treatment, living with Stage IV disease, or defying public expectations of what illness “looks like.”

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Rooted in the firsthand perspective of a Stage IV survivor, Behind the Blue Ribbon seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding invisible illness and redefine survivorship through authentic storytelling. By highlighting diverse patient voices; across race, gender, age, geography, and diagnosis stage; the project reminds us that every face of colorectal cancer is unique, and every story deserves to be heard.

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This initiative not only raises awareness but also addresses healthcare disparities by intentionally uplifting voices from underrepresented communities; BIPOC, LGBTQ+, rural, and low-income patients; whose perspectives are often missing in national campaigns. Every resource is crafted to be inclusive, captioned, and mobile-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.

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Behind the Blue Ribbon was selected by the HealtheVoices Impact Fund Advisory Board for its potential to advance patient health, reduce stigma, and empower those living with colorectal cancer. Its mission is simple yet vital: to show the unseen faces behind the blue ribbon, build compassion through understanding, and remind patients and caregivers that they are not alone.

 

​Funding for this project was provided by HealtheVoices Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which was funded by a contribution from Johnson & Johnson.

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