Our Cheeky Impact
2024
As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all we’ve accomplished together at Cheeky Charity. It’s been a year of powerful conversations, community connections, and groundbreaking achievements. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or have just joined us on this journey, we’re so grateful to have you by our side.
Our mission at Cheeky Charity is simple yet profound: to ensure that every LGBTQ+ person facing colorectal and anal cancers has access to the resources, support, and community they need. But as many of you know, fulfilling this mission is anything but simple. It requires dedication, heart, and an unshakeable belief in health equity. It means showing up where we’re needed most, whether that’s at a local Pride event, in intimate support groups, or on national stages where our voices can be heard. And it means challenging the barriers that keep people from accessing the care they deserve.
In 2024, we did all this and more, bringing our message to Pride festivals nationwide, launching new support groups, piloting personalized educational sessions, and even rallying with the Palm Springs community to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with our “March Your Butt” event. We’ve built connections that inspire change and forged partnerships that amplify our mission. We’ve been invited to speak at major conferences, strengthening our role as advocates for LGBTQ+ health equity. And with each achievement, we’ve made sure that those facing cancer in our community know they are not alone.
These successes would not be possible without you. It’s your support, your belief in our mission, and your commitment to a more inclusive, compassionate future that fuels us every day. So, from all of us at Cheeky Charity, thank you for making 2024 a year to remember.
As we share this year’s impact report with you, we hope you feel as proud of these accomplishments as we do. With 2025 just around the corner, we’re ready to keep pushing forward, building on this momentum and doing everything in our power to support our community.
Pride Festivals Nationwide: Bringing the Real Talk to Real People
This year, Cheeky Charity proudly took our mission coast-to-coast, participating in Pride festivals from rainbow-packed parades in big cities to community gatherings in small towns. Why Pride? Because when it comes to cancer prevention, there’s no better place to get loud, build connections, and reach the people who need this information most.
At each festival, our dedicated team set up booths filled with resources on colorectal and anal cancer tailored specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Our goal was clear: to make potentially life-saving information accessible, inclusive, and empowering. We hosted engaging activities and shared straightforward health tips on prevention, early detection, and navigating screenings—topics that often don’t make it to the LGBTQ+ audience but are critical for all of us. From interactive quizzes that got people talking about health risks to take-home educational materials, we worked to break down stigma and open up the conversation.
Beyond providing information, Pride was also about connecting with people face-to-face. We spoke with thousands of festival-goers who may not otherwise have access to cancer prevention resources designed with their identities in mind. For many, it was their first exposure to discussions around colorectal and anal cancer that acknowledged their unique health risks. By meeting people where they are—in a space of celebration and visibility—we offered guidance and tools for protecting their health, making these important conversations approachable and engaging.
Through these Pride festival appearances, we strengthened our network of allies, advocates, and ambassadors who will continue spreading awareness long after the festival tents have come down. Each connection we made reinforced our commitment to LGBTQ+ health equity and ensured that more people left with knowledge that could truly make a difference.
From New York to San Francisco, Austin to small towns in the Midwest, we celebrated Pride with purpose and impact. And it’s only the beginning. Next year, we’re gearing up to reach even more communities, bring more life-saving information, and keep this vital conversation alive and thriving.
NYS DOH Grant: Health Info, One Honest Conversation at a Time
With the support of the New York State Department of Health, Cheeky Charity took a new, personalized approach to education this year, focusing on small-group, in-depth sessions designed for underserved populations, with a special emphasis on men and those at higher risk of colorectal cancer. These sessions were about more than just sharing information; they were about creating a space where people could openly discuss their health, address concerns, and gain confidence in understanding their cancer risks and screening options.
Our team structured these sessions to be welcoming and accessible—think of them as informal gatherings with life-saving information woven in. In each session, we covered topics ranging from general risk factors for colorectal cancer to unique challenges faced by men and underserved communities in accessing preventive care. We encouraged attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions that demystify cancer prevention and screening.
The sessions were designed to provide attendees with practical, actionable information they could immediately apply in their lives. We also emphasized self-advocacy within the healthcare system, offering guidance on how to bring up screening and risk concerns with medical providers to ensure their health needs are addressed.
Feedback from participants has been incredibly positive. Many attendees shared that, for the first time, they felt empowered and informed about their colorectal cancer risks and prevention strategies. For some, this was their first exposure to focused information on colorectal cancer that acknowledged and addressed the unique challenges they face within the healthcare system.
Looking forward, we’re excited to keep building on this model, reaching even more communities and providing men and underserved populations with the tools they need to protect their health—one honest conversation at a time.
ACS Grant: Building Support Networks that Get It
With the American Cancer Society’s support, we expanded Cheeky Charity’s LGBTQ+ support groups, creating safe, affirming spaces specifically for patients, survivors, and caregivers facing colorectal and anal cancers. We know that a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly isolating, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel their unique experiences aren’t fully understood in traditional support groups. That’s why we set out to create networks that “get it”—places where people can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through.
Our groups offer a range of resources, from practical guidance on managing treatment side effects to emotional support from peers who have walked a similar path. For patients, it’s a chance to hear directly from others who are navigating similar medical journeys, and for survivors, it’s a place to share wisdom and resilience while finding solidarity. Caregivers, too, find a vital source of support, gaining insights from others who understand the unique challenges of supporting a loved one through cancer within the LGBTQ+ community.
The sessions have grown into something truly special. Each meeting is a blend of shared experiences, encouragement, and practical advice that helps attendees feel not only supported but also empowered. Attendees have shared how meaningful it is to have a community where they feel at ease, knowing they don’t have to explain their identity—they can just focus on healing, connecting, and finding strength.
These groups have quickly become a lifeline for many, and the relationships formed here often continue beyond each session. Some members even connect outside of the groups, creating informal support networks that deepen our community’s resilience. As we move forward, we’re committed to building on this foundation, reaching even more people, and ensuring that everyone facing a cancer journey has access to a network that truly understands them.
March Your Butt in Palm Springs: The Rally We Didn’t Know We Needed ♥︎
This March, we brought a whole new level of pride and visibility to Palm Springs with our “March Your Butt” event, officially kicking off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a community-wide celebration. This was more than just an event—it was a movement that sparked conversations, built connections, and brought attention to the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. We were honored to have the mayor of Palm Springs join us, proclaiming March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful moment that set the tone for the rest of the month.
The energy around town was undeniable, thanks in part to the vibrant street post flags that lined the main streets throughout March. Each flag carried our message of awareness, creating a powerful visual reminder of the importance of cancer prevention and screening. The flags served as a beacon of unity, making it clear that the entire community stood together in support of this critical cause.
People from all walks of life came out to rally for colorectal cancer awareness. By adding a touch of cheeky fun to our educational activities, we helped break down the stigma often associated with cancer screening and encouraged open conversations about health. This was especially impactful for men and other groups who may be less likely to seek out preventive screenings on their own.
The event featured interactive stations where attendees could learn about colorectal cancer risks, explore screening options, and discover simple prevention strategies. Alongside educational materials, we offered on-site resources and guidance on discussing screening with healthcare providers. Attendees left with both the knowledge and the motivation to take control of their health, feeling empowered to seek the care they need.
The “March Your Butt” event underscored Cheeky Charity’s commitment to reaching individual communities, whether in large cities or smaller towns, and ensuring that everyone has access to life-saving information and support. With our street flags waving proudly and our message spreading through Palm Springs, we proved that a bit of cheekiness goes a long way in inspiring change. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger, continuing to grow this movement for awareness and action around colorectal cancer.
Bringing Our Voice to the National Stage: Making Sure They Hear Us Loud and Clear
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ASCO GI & ASCO Annual Meetings
At these prestigious oncology conferences, we shared research and insights on the unique challenges that men and other underserved populations face in accessing preventive cancer care. We highlighted how socioeconomic factors and limited healthcare resources contribute to delayed screenings and poorer health outcomes, bringing attention to these disparities on a national platform.
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HealthLink Speaker Series
We delivered a session on “Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention in LGBTQ+ Population,” tailored to healthcare professionals. Our goal was to challenge the traditional approach to cancer prevention and encourage providers to take a more proactive role in reaching underserved patients, including men who may not view screening as a priority.
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National LGBTQ+ Health Conf.
Presenting a poster on our work, we took the opportunity to expand our reach by engaging with professionals dedicated to health equity. We emphasized how critical it is to address the unique health needs of both LGBTQ+ individuals and broader underserved populations within colorectal cancer care, aiming to build partnerships that would strengthen our impact.
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Exact Science's Cologuard Classic
At the Cologuard Classic, we advocated for increased funding and policy support to improve colorectal cancer screening access. Engaging with industry leaders, we pushed for innovative solutions and equitable healthcare practices to ensure underserved populations, especially men, receive the preventive care they need.
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Fight CRC's Call-on Congress
During Call-on-Congress, our team joined advocates on Capitol Hill to champion policy changes for cancer prevention and screening. By engaging directly with lawmakers, we reinforced the need for accessible, affordable colorectal cancer screenings for underserved communities nationwide.
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AACR Annual Meeting
At the AACR Annual Meeting, we joined researchers and advocates to advance the conversation on inclusive health policies and innovative cancer prevention strategies. Our team highlighted the critical need for accessible colorectal cancer screenings, particularly for underserved and high-risk groups, ensuring their needs were acknowledged within the scientific community.
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ACS CAN Leadership Summit & Lobby Day
During the ACS CAN Leadership Summit & Lobby Day, we took our message to Capitol Hill, joining forces with advocates to push for policy changes that prioritize cancer screening and early detection. By meeting with lawmakers, we amplified the importance of accessible, affordable cancer care for at-risk communities, advocating for the resources they need to take charge of their health.
Looking Ahead: Ready to Make 2025 Even Bigger
With your support, 2024 has been an incredible year for Cheeky Charity. Together, we’ve shown up, spoken out, and empowered underserved communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals and high-risk groups with the resources, community, and support they need to feel seen and understood. And while this year has been full of breakthroughs, we’re just getting started.
In 2025, we’re aiming higher than ever before. We plan to expand our reach, launching even more comprehensive programs designed to meet people where they are—from rural clinics to city health centers, and community events across the country. With new grants and partnerships on the horizon, we’ll be able to bring targeted education and resources to more communities, ensuring that no one faces the challenge of colorectal cancer alone or without support.
We’ll continue to be a voice on the national stage, advocating for health equity in policy discussions, research conferences, and public health forums. With our collective efforts, we’re confident that we’ll move closer to a world where everyone, no matter their background or identity, has the resources and support to take charge of their health.
So, here’s to an even stronger, bolder, and bigger 2025—thanks to your continued belief in our mission. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries, building communities, and making real, lasting change.
With endless gratitude and excitement,
The Cheeky Charity Team
Support Our Mission
Every dollar you give helps us create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved communities facing colorectal and anal cancers. Your support powers life-saving programs, support groups, and awareness campaigns that make a real difference.
Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future—one cheeky step at a time.