When is Dress in Blue Day?
It is celebrated on the first Friday of March.
In 2010, Dress in Blue Day will be held on Friday, March 5th.
What is the purpose of Dress in Blue Day?
The purpose of Dress in Blue Day is to promote awareness about colorectal cancer and encourage people to get screened.
How can I/my organization participate in Dress in Blue Day?
Individuals, businesses and community groups are all encouraged to participate in Dress in Blue Day, by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and other members of their organization to wear blue. By getting people to talk about colon cancer, and learning about ways to prevent this # 2 cause of cancer death in the U.S., you could save a life. In addition, you can raise money to support programs like our Helpline, Buddy program and other initiatives by using our Fundraising Form.
What is the history behind Dress in Blue Day?
Dress in Blue Day was started in March of 2006 by a Colon Cancer Alliance volunteer and survivor, Anita Mitchell. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of screening, Anita worked with her children's local k-8 Catholic school and parents to coordinate a recognition day. On that day, students, who normally wore a uniform to school, were allowed to wear blue if they donated a dollar to colon cancer research. To promote the event, Anita sent a notice to each of the 500 families at the school, letting them know about the special day and included some simple screening guidelines for the parents. When the children came to school on Dress in Blue Day they were each given a blue ribbon, signifying their participation.
In 2007, Anita dedicated Dress in Blue Day to her friend, Carmen, who had passed away from colon cancer and to all others who had lost their fight against colorectal cancer. In addition, Anita received a proclamation from the Mayor declaring it Dress in Blue Day for the city of Seattle.
In 2009, as Co-Founder of Colon S.T.A.R.S. of Seattle, Anita worked with the Colon Cancer Alliance to build national recognition for this event.
