Every year, about this time, we get a little blue.
No, it's not because the holidays are over, and it's also not because it's cold.
No, instead, Central Avenue turns blue in March to try to raise awareness about colon cancer, one of the most common and most treatable cancers.
The Central Avenue Business Improvement District is working with the NYSDOH Cancer Services Program again this year to spread the word about colon cancer, by encouraging all of our businesses to "Go Blue." Blue windows, posters, and handouts will remind people that a simple screening can head off cancer before it even gets started, and that can save millions of lives.
Here's how you can get involved:
· Decorate your business blue for the month of March (starting March 1)
· Put up a poster in your window, string blue lights around your door, affix a Go Blue decal to your place of business (all materials are available free of charge through will be available through the Cancer Services Program: Email: Christie.ray-marchetti@cancer.org)
· Participate in National Dress In Blue Day on Friday, March 2, 2012
· Display colon cancer awareness materials in your business (also available through Christie)
The Cancer Services Program will provide materials to help you ‘Go Blue,' including:
- Posters and flyers
- Main Streets Go Blue decal
- Blue string lights
- Pins
- Buttons for staff to wear
- Drop boxes and referral forms for interested customers and staff
You could also offer a "blue-plate special" or a "blue signature cocktail"--Be creative! Last year,
- Choppa and Sons displayed a powder blue tux in their window (talk about cool!).
- Armory Car dealership displayed event information on their digital sign (way to go guys!).
Now, it's your turn! Let's turn the Avenue BLUE.
Decorate your building's exterior, and then take it one step further, and reach out to your neighbor to ask them to do the same. PLUS--All businesses that participate will be promoted on posters, flyers, and press releases.
Remember, early detection and prompt treatment save lives. All men and women ages 50 and older should be screened for colon cancer. By participating in this project and getting people to talk about this disease, you will help the people of our community to take notice of the need for lifesaving colon cancer screening.
