The kickoff event was held at the Rain Restaurant,
at 100 West 82nd Street in Manhattan.

 
Brochures, posters, and other handout materials were provided. Shown here: Vanessa Ghigliotti (Colon Cancer Alliance, Challenge Ambassador), Jackie Schreiber (Challenge Ambassador), and Cho Young Kim-Wiles (Pfizer).

 
We were fortunate to have great volunteers assisting —our “Challenge Ambassadors”— and everyone attending seemed to show great interest.
In the foreground: Cho Young Kim-Wiles (Pfizer), Jean Burg (Colon Cancer Alliance), and Laura Breiner (GHI/HIP); Jackie Lomtevas and Vanessa Ghigliotti (Challenge Ambassadors); In the background: Judy Richard (Atlas Talent Agency), Dan Foster (Colon Cancer Alliance), and Michael Lavin (Christine’s Couriers).

Dr. Thomas Weber and Albert Ferro hosted the evening event.
A variety of speakers gave us a few words each on a variety of topics
from research work to corporate sponsorship to survivor stories.
It was a moving and eye-opening evening:

 
Stephanie Schensul (Covidien) speaks to us.

 
Dr. Thomas Weber (host), Anne Faustin (American Cancer Society), and Albert Ferro.

 
Al Ferro, Laura Breiner (GHI/HIP), and Dr. Weber.

 
Al Ferro, Douglas DeShong (Pfizer), and Dr. Weber.

 
A slideshow with images of the Colon Cancer Challenge from the past couple of years helped to get us into the spirit of this year's up-coming event. Viewing the screen are Jeremy Hayes and Margaret Amato-Hayes (Beth Israel Hospital).

 
And finally, everyone had a nice opportunity to visit, meet new friends,
and hear surprising stories of support. Here, Pilar Garaygordobil, Karen Murphy, Douglas DeShong, and Cho Young Kim-Wiles (all from Pfizer).

 
Mary R. Brennan and Maureen Dailey (Ostomy Nurses of Greater NY), with Frank P. Sosnowski (Montefiore), and Diane Maydick (Ostomy Nurses of Greater NY).

 
Judy Richard (Atlas Talent Agency), Jackie Lomtevas (Challenge Ambassador), Dr. Weber (host), and Jackie Schreiber (Challenge Ambassador).

 
Frank P. Sosnowski (Montefiore) and Dr. Weber.

 
Dave Willard (Olympus America) chats with Dr. Weber (host).

 
Monica Willard (Olympus) and Laura Breiner (GHI/HIP).

 
Dr. Weber (host) and Sal Damiani (Digestive Disease Research Foundation).

 
Now it's the end of the evening, as Jeremy Hayes and Margaret Amato-Hayes say their goodbyes to Dr. Weber.

A good —and supportive— time was had by all.

Most important of all... our new season is now running in full force!
Please keep in contact with us through this website.

Thank you to all who participated, and many thanks to our corporate sponsors.

We are off to a good start. With a number of teams and individuals already signed up, with a record number of sponsors, and the momentum from last year, we are positioned to make this the largest challenge ever. This will make it clear to our leaders that everyone — from individual family members who have had a relative impacted by this disease to corporate leaders — expects actions to fight and defeat this disease — no more unnecessary death.

See you in March in Central Park!