Nonprofit Colontown Provides Invaluable Resources and Support for Those With Colorectal Cancer and Their Carepartners:
“The Worldwide Online Community Recently Launched a New Platform
Feb. 9, 2026 – COLONTOWN, an online community with thousands of members who are part of more than 100 private support groups for colorectal cancer patients, survivors and carepartners, recently launched a new online platform that can be accessed on mobile and desktop. Patients or loved ones facing a colon cancer or rectal cancer diagnosis, can join groups (called “neighborhoods”) based on stage of disease, specific types of treatment and special interests, such as colorectal cancer clinical trials, young-onset colorectal cancer patients and local support groups. In each group, members can find social support and educational resources to help them navigate their disease. Every neighborhood is led by Neighborhood Hosts, who themselves are going through the same experiences as patients and survivors.
“COLONTOWN is the companion that every patient or caregiver needs to have waiting in the wings when given a colorectal cancer diagnosis,” said Tiffany Studebaker Freeman, a Stage III survivor and the “Mayor” of COLONTOWN. “It’s a home where hope meets science and people come together to support one another with questions, answers, comfort, encouragement, friendship, assistance, learning and the unified need to feel less alone and do more living.”
In COLONTOWN, you’ll find groups based on:
Cancer Stage and Location: Whether you are diagnosed at Stage I, Stage II, Stage III or Stage IV, designated groups make connecting on specific topics easier. Plus, groups based on the location of your rectal or colon tumor and the location of any metastases make it simple to find information on treatment options.
Age, Gender, and Life Stages: COLONTOWN has groups for young-onset colorectal cancer patients, women, men, LGBTQ, parents, military and more. Connect with others who are living through similar situations.
Side Effects: Learn to manage your treatment side effects from chemo, radiation and surgery, such as in the “Live Wire” group that discusses how to prevent and treat neuropathy from oxaliplatin treatments like FOLFOX and CAPOX.
Local Support: Join one of the more than 30 U.S. regional groups and 6 international groups to talk with others in your area. Discuss treatment options in your area — or meet up with a new friend for in-person support.
Clinical Trials: Get help learning about and navigating the clinical trial process in our nine different clinical trial groups. Trained patient navigators post information about the latest trials and answer your questions, while members share their experiences and results on trials.
Caregivers: Certain COLONTOWN groups are designated as “caregiver-only” and “patient-only,” providing everyone with the space to openly share and find the support they need. Whether you are a primary caregiver, a parent or a secondary caregiver, you’ll find a group for you.
And so much more!
Additionally, COLONTOWN offers COLONTOWN University, built on the questions, conversations and experiences of the thousands of colorectal cancer patients and caregivers in the online community. COLONTOWN’s professional content team bring lived experience as patients and caregivers to their work to educate their peers. Members can learn at their own pace where they can view Learning Centers on topics such as CRC 101 for newly diagnosed patients and Clinical Trials Basics for those searching for clinical trials or attend one of COLONTOWN’s Doc Talks, live Zoom sessions with leading colorectal cancer doctors and researchers, to learn about the latest in treatment options and research advancements.
Go here to join the community. Membership is free and open to colorectal cancer patients, survivors and carepartners (includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer).
About COLONTOWN
Funded by the nonprofit PALTOWN, COLONTOWN is a private online community of more than 100 support groups for colorectal cancer patients, survivors and carepartners. If you or your loved one is facing a colon cancer or rectal cancer diagnosis, you can join groups (we call them “neighborhoods”) based on your stage of disease, specific types of treatment, and special interests – such as colorectal cancer clinical trials, young-onset colorectal cancer patients, and local support groups. Every neighborhood is led by Neighborhood Hosts, themselves living the experience.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristina Stafford Kelly
kstaffordkelly@gmail.com
404-242-2344.”
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