Prevent Cancer Foundation mourns the loss of friend and advocate Tim Kavanagh

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is mourning the loss of our friend and longtime supporter of the Foundation, Tim Kavanagh, who died earlier this week after a decade-long battle with cancer colorectal.

Tim was diagnosed with stage II rectal cancer in 2016 after his first routine colonoscopy at age 50. Recognizing the rise in colorectal cancer in younger adults, he joined the Prevent Cancer Foundation in advocating to lower the routine screening age for colorectal cancer. In 2021, the recommended screening age was changed from age 50 to age 45.

He endured countless rounds of chemo, radiation and resection surgeries, including two temporary ileostomies, and had a full-time colostomy bag. But Tim navigated his cancer journey the best way he knew how—with humor. Writing and performing a one-man comedy show appropriately titled, “The Shit Show: How One Man Battled Cancer While Life Was Circling The Drain,” Tim’s approach to talking about cancer not only helped him get through the tough days, but was a meaningful way for him to connect with people while reminding them of the importance of prevention.

Always eager to uplift the Foundation, Tim’s passion for spreading the word about cancer prevention and early detection was unwavering. Whether it was sharing his story to educate others about the importance of routine cancer screening or supporting various Foundation events with his hosting prowess, Tim’s answer to us was always an enthusiastic, “Yes!”

Our thoughts are with Tim’s wife, Candy, and everyone who knew and loved Tim as we did. We are proud to continue our work in Tim’s memory, so that we may one day live in a world where colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable for all.