Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Central Avenue Goes Blue this March

By Lori Pelersi

Armory Goes Blue
March is colon cancer awareness month, and to raise awareness, streets across the country are turning blue. Blue is the universally recognized color for colon cancer and businesses up and down Central will be stringing blue lights, putting up blue posters, and distributing referral forms for interested customers.

"Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, but it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable when caught early through screening," says Christie Ray-Marchetti, Outreach and Education Manager for the Albany and Rensselaer County Cancer Services Program. The Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides information and support as well as free screening for colon cancer to the uninsured.


During the month of March, the program will hold four events in Albany:
  • Friday, March 6th from 11a-1p @ Westgate Price Chopper - Central Ave. Kick Off
    • With Q/A Booth staffed by:
      • CSP Staff and TBD Gastroenterologist
  • Monday, March 9th from 12-3p @ St. Peter’s Hospital  Main St. Lobby
    • CSP staff will provide Fit Kits and education
  • Monday, March 16th – Wednesday, March 18  on CDTA Buses
    • CSP staff will be riding various CDTA buses to speak with riders about getting screened and provide and to hand out kits.
  • Wednesday, March 25th from 3:30 – 5:30p @ Colonie Station (on Central Ave. side of Colonie Center)
    • Albany Broadcasting, CDTA and CSP team up to provide kits, information about screening as well as music and giveaways right at the bus station.
During these events, staff from the Cancer Services Program will be distributing information and free take-home screening kits to those who qualify.


The Central Avenue Business Improvement District has purchased posters that will be installed on Big Belly trashcans up and down the Avenue to help advertise these events.


For more information about how your business can participate or to learn about the free screenings for colon, pelvic, ovarian and breast cancers, please contact Ray-Marchetti at (518) 220-6928.or via email at Christie.ray-marchetti@cancer.org