ISSUE 11 | December 18, 2025
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Dear Thriver,
As this year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how this newsletter and this community began.
I started this newsletter in June 2019 as a way to stay connected with people living with colorectal cancer who had participated in my research studies. The holiday editions have held a special place. Each year since 2019, I’ve shared a message of reflection shaped by where we were — as a research team and as a community.
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CCOR Newsletter Christmas Edition - June 2019
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In May 2025, we re-imagined this space into what is now the Colorectal Cancer Research Digest, with a renewed focus on sharing colorectal cancer research — both the work we do and the work we curate — one study at a time, with our insights along the way. The support from this growing and engaged community has meant more than we can say.
We wanted to keep the holiday tradition going — but this year, in a slightly different way. Instead of a single message from me, this edition features messages from our team. Each of us brings something distinct, and together those perspectives shape how we approach our work.
This holiday edition is organized around four messages: Peace, Love, and Joy - shared by members of the CCOR team - and Hope, which reflects what we hold together.
With gratitude,
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Peace def. a state of tranquillity, harmony
Peace is a state of harmony and tranquillity, even in the presence of uncertainty. For me, making peace with my colorectal cancer diagnosis has meant asking questions, seeking understanding, and ultimately doing research in this space. As both a patient and a researcher, I continue to learn that progress doesn’t always come from having answers, but from listening carefully and creating space for complexity and lived experience.
- Mary
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Love, def. a deep care and commitment.
Love is a deep care and commitment that shows up every day. For me, loving this work means being inspired by the people behind the research: patients, participants, and collaborators, and letting that care guide how I show up each day. It’s what sustains the long hours, the minute details, and the collaboration required to move colorectal cancer research forward with intention and respect.
- Alex
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Joy, def. a feeling of great happiness
Joy is found in the opportunity to learn, to contribute, and to be trusted with work that truly matters. For me, it is a genuine honour to be part of this research and to learn alongside people who are so deeply committed to improving colorectal cancer research and care. As a student, there is no greater source of joy than being welcomed into meaningful work, feeling supported and valued, and growing through collaboration, curiosity, and shared purpose.
- Joy
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Hope, def. a reason to keep going
Hope, def. a belief in possibility
Hope, def. __________________________________
In cancer care, hope is sometimes approached with caution. I’ve been in rooms where it is carefully qualified — or set aside altogether. For me, hope was not naïve; it was necessary. It was a reason to keep going. What does hope mean to you?
With peace, love, and joy for the season, and hope as we look to the year ahead.
Grateful for you,
The CCOR Team
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This week’s video isn’t just another workout guide — it’s a science-backed look at how exercise can change the game in cancer prevention and survivorship. From reducing risk to easing treatment side effects, movement shows powerful benefits that go far beyond muscles and calories.
Watch now and share with someone who needs this — movement can matter more than we ever imagined.
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👋 Before you go, we'd love to know what you thought of today's newsletter to help us improve The Digest experience for you.
Hit reply to let us know. Was it too hard to follow? Too long, didn't read it all? Leave you with more questions? Let us know! We read every response.
See you soon,
Mary, Alexander, and Joy—The Colorectal Cancer Research Digest editorial team
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