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Together, Let's Beat Colon Cancer!

Colon cancer is like a sneaky villain that affects far too many lives. By 2030, it’s predicted to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 50. Guess what? We have the power to make a difference. Your support can be the beacon of hope for those fighting this tough battle. Let’s team up and kick colon cancer to the curb!

Why Colon Cancer

The Kayode Oluseun Okunoren Legacy (KOOL) Fund was established in 2023 and is dedicated to partner, advocate and provide education and screening in populations disproportionately impacted by the early onset of the disease.The fund also aims to provide financial assistance to young adults who are currently fighting colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both black men and women with an estimated 153,020 new cases in 2023 alone. People of African descent have the highest rate of colon cancer than any racial/ethnic group in the United States

Colorectal cancer occurs at a higher rate below the age of 50 in African Americans 20% (1 in 5) of CRCs in 2019 were in people 54 years or younger, up from 11% (1 in 10) in 1995. This phenomenon is also called early-age onset colorectal cancer (EAO CRC) or early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC)

The strongest risk factor for Colorectal Cancer is a family history of the disease; people with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with CRC have 2 to 4 times the risk of developing the disease compared to people without this family history.

Curiously, most young adult colorectal cancers are sporadic, meaning they’re not the result of a genetic or familial syndrome and typically, the cause is unknown.

About Us

Kay’s Story

Meet Kay, aka Kay-Kay the Gentle Giant, born and raised in the lively streets of Lagos, Nigeria, where the sun shines bright and the music flows like water. His parents, Emmanuel and Olusola, knew they had something special in their hands right from the start. As the middle child among his siblings, Kayode was the epitome of sweetness and light. Always calm, never causing a ruckus, he preferred to quietly soak in the wonders of the world around him, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Fast forward to his teenage years, and Kay found himself trading the bustling streets of Lagos for the suburban charm of Ypsilanti, Michigan, alongside his big sister Adeola and younger brother Olusola. High school came and went at Willow Run, and soon Kay was donning his graduation cap at Wayne State University, where he delved into the world of computers, earning his Bachelor’s degree like a pro.

His journey led him to the Lone Star State of Texas, where he landed a gig as a Senior Application Systems Analyst at MD Anderson Cancer Center. With his trusty sidekick, Jack the crazy dog, by his side, he embraced the warm Texan winters and left behind the snowy woes of Michigan. And then, in the midst of it all, love found him in the form of Emoefe Okunoren. They tied the knot in 2018, beginning their journey as a family.

If you ever needed to sum up Kay in just a few words, “cool, calm, and collected” would do the trick. With a heart as big as Texas and a soul as gentle as a summer breeze on Sunday morning, he exuded an aura of peace wherever he went. No stress, no drama, just good vibes all around. Kay was the kind of guy who made you feel at home from the moment you met him, the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephew, and a friend to everyone who crossed his path.

But Kay wasn’t just about spreadsheets and databases—he had a secret passion for music that would surprise you. From boy bands like ‘Nsync to the soothing melodies of Japanese tunes, his eclectic taste knew no bounds. And when he wasn’t tapping away on his keyboard, you could find him deep in conversation about the latest in tech, politics, finance, or sports, especially his beloved basketball, football, and baseball. He was a true Renaissance man!

Then came the unexpected twist in his journey. Back pain crept in October of 2022, disrupting the rhythm of his life. Despite his clean bill of health earlier in the year, the diagnosis blindsided him—Stage 4 Colon Cancer. With a heavy heart and fierce determination, he fought the battle, but the odds were stacked against him. Despite the challenges and setbacks of our broken medical system, Kay fought with all his might, but on January 17th, 2023, he bid us farewell.

But Kay’s legacy lives on, not in sorrow, but in the lessons he taught us. Through his journey, we learned the importance of early screenings, especially for people of African descent. And so, in his memory, we’ve set up this fund to advocate for early colorectal screenings for those who need it most.

Though he may be gone, the memories of his infectious laughter, warm smiles, and boundless curiosity will forever remain etched in our hearts. Here’s to you, Kay—may your spirit soar high, forever remembered, forever loved.

How Can You Help?

Donate Now

Your generous donation fuels groundbreaking research, screening initiatives, and patient support programs.

Spread the Word

Share our mission on social media, & help us raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings & early detection.

Organize a Fundraiser

Host an event, virtual or in-person, to bring your community together in the fight against colon cancer.

Your Impact

Every dollar you contribute goes directly to the front lines of the battle against colon cancer. Here's how your support can make a difference

$25

Provides educational materials for a community awareness event.

$50

Funds a virtual support group session for patients and their families.

$100

Supports early detection initiatives through screening programs.

The Kayode Oluseun Okunoren Legacy Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of Moore Impact, a 501(c)(3) public charity EIN: 84-4714243. Donations to the Kayode Oluseun Okunoren Legacy Fund are charitable tax deductions.

KOOL funds are awarded to organizations that help to support the needs of people affected by EOCRC.

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