Strength comes in numbers and in this case, twin sisters, came together in 2016 to create “We Stand Together, Inc.” Natalie Marc Surpris and Natasha Mathias’ mission is to inspire hope, strength, and provide support to individuals and families in their communities impacted by cancer.
In 2015, Natalie was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. The unfortunate news devastated the family but fortunately, the duo put their energy into learning and then educating others through their nonprofit organization.
“This fight is for all who are battling or have battled with the disease; it’s for the caretakers, for those family and friends who have been impacted, and for our community as a whole. We are committed to increasing awareness in our communities, alleviating barriers to access to resources, and to inspiring hope and providing financial assistance to cancer patients in need through our various programs,” explained Mathias.
Statistics
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the U.S. This year, an estimated 106,180 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 45,230 with rectal cancer. The expected death rate for colorectal cancer in the U.S. is 52,980 Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing Colorectal Cancer death rates are 40% higher for African Americans.
The sisters’ devotion to raising awareness about cancer in the community became stronger than ever through their community event efforts to promote public awareness, encourage early screening, increase knowledge of resources and services, and ensure that access to quality healthcare is made available to members of their community.
Sadly, in 2019 Natalie lost her fight to colon cancer at the young age of 42, but her twin Co-Founder and President, Natasha Mathias continues to use those twin superpowers to continue fighting for others. On Saturday, April 9th, We Stand Together, Inc. will be hosting their 2nd Annual Blue Hope Colon Cancer Awareness 5K at the Miramar Regional Park.
“After experiencing my twin sister’s difficult cancer journey, as an organization we are dedicated more than ever to raising awareness of cancer, inspiring hope and strength in the community; and ensuring that cancer patients and their families know and understand the same mantra used with Natalie while she was battling cancer that ‘No One Fights Alone,” added Mathias.
Blue Hope 5K Colon Cancer Awareness Walk-Run-Bike begins at 7:00 am at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, 33027. For more information, please call 954-667-9336 or email [email protected].