Community members, healthcare professionals, and local organizations gathered on March 30 at Resorts World Catskills for the “Love Your Gut!” Colon Cancer Awareness Health Fair, a free event hosted by Garnet Health as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The event featured an interactive inflatable colon, educational presentations, and free screenings, all aimed at increasing awareness of a disease that remains one of the most common—and preventable—cancers in the United States.
“March is colon cancer awareness month, and that’s what motivated us… to raise awareness and educate, but also empower people to get screened,” said Delilah Socci, Community Health Manager at Garnet Health. “Screening saves lives, and we can’t say that enough.”
‘Screening saves lives’ — A message from health experts
Socci emphasized both the seriousness and preventability of colorectal cancer. “Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death… but it’s also the most preventable if you get screened with early detection,” she said. Addressing a common barrier, she added, “People really don’t discuss belly issues… that’s why we called our event ‘Love Your Gut.’”
She also warned that the disease can affect anyone. “There’s really no immunity… it doesn’t matter if you’re young or if you’re old,” Socci said, encouraging people to watch for symptoms such as “belly aches… bloody stool, diarrhea, constipation… unexplained weight loss,” and to consult a provider if symptoms persist.
Dr. Nadia Bhuyain, a general surgeon at Garnet Health, reinforced the importance of early action. “It’s really been rising in the U.S.,” she said. “Prevention and screening are the biggest tools that we have.” She added, “The biggest thing is getting your screening colonoscopies… we’ve dropped the age to 45 now.”
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Bringing healthcare into the community
Organizers said the choice of venue was deliberate. “We want to bring awareness to where people are at… If we had it in the hospital, the chances are the people that go… are the people that are already going there,” Socci explained. “We want to try to catch people where they are on their everyday [routine].”
The event also offered free blood pressure screenings, A1C testing, nutrition education, and wellness activities such as chair yoga, helping attendees take practical steps toward better health.
Community organizations offer support beyond medicine
In addition to medical providers, several community organizations participated, offering services that address broader health and quality-of-life needs. Growing Older Together Executive Director Thomas Cambridge described how his volunteer-based group supports seniors. “We support seniors 60 years and up… [with] transportation, home chores… social visits,” he said. “Isolation is pretty widespread… and there’s a lot of lonely people.”
Local entrepreneur Latishe Mapp, founder of NC Med Wigs, highlighted services for individuals experiencing hair loss, especially cancer patients. “We make customized wigs… and have other hair products to help them feel better about themselves,” she said, noting plans for “free workshops… and free wig donations.”
Health outreach professionals also stressed prevention. Ruth Stratton said, “No matter where I go, I constantly encourage cancer screening,” while Samantha Pipolo from the Sullivan County Department of Public Health added that such events are vital in underserved areas. “A lot of people… are uninsured or underinsured… so providing opportunities like this… is really important for early detection,” she said.
Small conversations, big impact
Although attendance was expected to be modest, organizers focused on the potential impact of each interaction. “If I get through to like five people today, then I’m happy with that,” Socci said.
Through education, screenings, and community collaboration, the “Love Your Gut!” health fair delivered a clear message: early detection, awareness, and access to care can save lives.
