LeadersLink Anjee Davis

FIGHT Colorectal Cancer: Organizational Overview and Strategic Initiatives

• Founding and Mission
  • Founded in 2005 by Nancy Roach to establish a patient voice for policy advocacy and research advancement.
  • Core mission remains focused on:
    • Mobilizing patients to raise awareness.
    • Pushing for policy changes and meeting with members of Congress.
    • Training advocates (nicknamed "RATS") to engage with researchers.
• Growth and Epidemiology
  • Organization expanded from four staff members to over 25.
  • U.S. colorectal cancer survivor population increased from 1 million to 1.5 million.
  • Disease status:
    • Remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women.
    • Classified as preventable despite high mortality rates.

AI Digital Tool Development (Leaders Link Project)

• Strategic Objective
  • Development of a digital AI tool designed to provide reliable, timely answers to colorectal cancer patients regarding diagnosis and treatment.
  • Tool specifically addresses:
    • Translation needs.
    • Reading level accessibility.
    • Accessibility for diverse populations and usage via SMS/mobile phones.
• Addressing Community Concerns
  • Project launched to counter skepticism regarding AI reliability and "hallucinations."
  • Solution ensures data is pulled strictly from resources aligned with colorectal cancer guidelines.
• Operational Challenges
  • AI tool maintenance requires a significant investment of time and capital distinct from standard website development.
  • Must continuously update technology to remain functional and accurate.
• Key Success Factors
  • Partnership with a tech vendor willing to:
    • Operate within a restricted budget.
    • Accommodate iterative development processes.
    • Prioritize usability without over-extending project scope.

Current Strategic Priorities and Forward-Looking Statements

• Dissemination Pivot
  • Strategic focus shifted from tool construction to dissemination and community access.
  • Current activities include:
    • Building partnerships with health systems, professional associations, and local organizations.
    • Preventing partner redundancy by enabling others to utilize the tool without rebuilding AI/R&D infrastructure.
• Leaders Link Program Insights
  • Participant outcomes highlight the critical value of:
    • Active engagement in mentorship sessions.
    • Participation in cohort webinars and group discussions.
  • Program benefits cited as exposure to diverse challenges, solutions, and innovation strategies outside the organization's immediate silo.
• Advice for Applicants
  • Organizations are encouraged to allocate dedicated time for mentorship and cohort interaction to maximize program value.
  • Emphasis placed on vetting technical partners thoroughly before commencing development.