Marielle Santos McLeod, Director of Strategic Programs and Partnerships at Cancer Hope Network and Patient Research Advocate at the SWOG Cancer Research Network, shared a post by Tim McDonald Community Manager at Raptive on LinkedIn:
“Last year, I had the absolute privilege of attending the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences for the first time – an experience that left a lasting impact on me.
I knew I’d get to watch some incredible golf, but what I didn’t anticipate was the deep sense of community I’d find among 300+ colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the country.
Reconnecting with longtime friends and meeting so many new ones was truly special. Among those new connections was Tim McDonald, who I’m grateful to now call a friend.
In the past year, I’ve watched Tim elevate his advocacy to remarkable new heights – taking his story to Capitol Hill to champion colorectal cancer research, launching a powerful podcast, and even publishing an inspiring book about his journey as a patient advocate. So when Tim invited me to join him on his podcast, my answer was an immediate and enthusiastic yes!
Thank you, Tim, for valuing my voice and for giving me the space to share the often unseen side of advocacy – the intention behind how we tell our stories, the effort it takes to use lived experience to drive change, and the many ways we can all continue showing up for our communities. Feeling grateful, inspired, and honored to share this conversation.”
Quoting Tim McDonald‘s post:
“Some topics are considered unspeakable. In many cultures, cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is one of them.
In my latest Advocacy at Work post, I sat down with Marielle Santos McLeod, MHA to talk about exactly that: the cultural barriers that keep so many in the Latino community from talking about colorectal cancer, getting screened, and ultimately, getting the care they deserve.
The silence isn’t indifference. It’s cultural. It’s generational. And it costs lives.
Marielle is doing the hard work of changing that – one conversation, one community, one courageous moment at a time. Her advocacy is a reminder that breaking barriers isn’t just about policy or research. Sometimes it starts with simply saying the words out loud.
This is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – the perfect time to amplify voices like hers.
And I am so excited that this weekend, Marielle will be among the 400+ advocates gathering at the Cologuard Classic in Tucson. I cannot wait to see her and this incredible community show up together for this fight.
Read the full post and listen to our conversation.”
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