ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) will present its 2017 David Jagelman, MD, Award for Advocacy in Colorectal Cancer to George Kiel III, founder, president and executive director of Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation based in Austin, Texas. The award is presented by ASCRS Public Relations Committee Chair Dr. Roberta Muldoon during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation’s mission is to decrease the number of preventable deaths caused by colon cancer through education and awareness initiatives, and by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and supporting colon cancer research. Kiel and his wife, LaTashia Kiel, who is co-founder, vice president and treasurer of the Foundation, established the organization in 2015 to reach out to young adults to raise awareness about colon cancer. The focus of the organization’s outreach is the prevention of colon cancer by addressing the modifiable risk factors of the disease including obesity, physical inactivity and diet. The Foundation places high emphasis on encouraging screening for colon cancer. Kiel was touched by colon cancer when his mother passed away from the disease in 2014.
"We are ecstatic to be receiving the Jagelman Award by being recognized for targeting young adults with our message. Sparking the conversation and imprinting the minds of young adults with everything they need to know about colon cancer now is something we feel will help lower the overall statistics of this disease in the future," said George Kiel.
George Kiel is the co-founder and CEO of COISKI Media, a digital and interactive/digital agency and platform that assists brands in media development and educates creators on how to develop content. He uses his love of basketball and sneakers to host unique fundraising events for the foundation. Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation fund raisers include the Blue Tie Affair, a sneaker-themed gala, and George Kiel’s Kick & Roll Classic 3-On-3 Basketball Event, the nation’s largest sneaker-themed basketball event that brings the world of footwear, basketball and charity together.
“The Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation’s emphasis on raising awareness about colorectal cancer to younger adults is imperative today, as younger people are being diagnosed with the disease more frequently,” said Dr. Muldoon. “We were impressed that Mr. Kiel incorporates his love of basketball and sneakers and uses his experience in media development for creative events that reach a younger audience.”
The award honors the memory of Dr. David Jagelman, whose advocacy for his patients at the Cleveland Clinic is legendary. He founded and directed the Cleveland Clinic’s Familial Polyposis Registry and had become chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida shortly before he died from kidney cancer in 1993, at age 53.