Seattle, WA – Rectal Cancer survivor Doug Dallmann will be honored with the 2017 Local Hero Award, presented by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), at a ceremony during the organization’s Annual Meeting on June 11 in Seattle, Washington.   

The award recognizes a patient who was affected by a colorectal disease, has contributed to the local community through advocacy or public outreach efforts and has a message for others. Local Hero award recipients are selected from the regional area where the ASCRS Annual Meeting is held.

The 2017 ASCRS Annual Meeting takes place June 10 – 14, 2017 at the Washington State Convention Center.

“We are very pleased to honor Doug Dallmann with the ASCRS Local Hero Award because of his commitment to raising awareness about rectal cancer through his personal blog and his involvement with The Colon Club.  His message is inspirational and very helpful for other young patients.” said Dr. Roberta Muldoon, chair of the ASCRS Public Relations Committee.

Dallmann, of Portland, Oregon, was first diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2010 when he was 40 years old. Following chemotherapy and radiation, Dallmann had a permanent colostomy. Cancer free for seven years, Dallmann lives a very active life as patent attorney, hiker, back packer, cyclist and fitness enthusiast. He has been involved as a “Chemo Pal” for the Portland-based Children’s Cancer Association as well as with The Colon Club, one of the largest colorectal cancer patient advocacy groups in the United States. Dallmann was a featured survivor in The Colon Club’s 2013 Colondar and he currently writes for “On The Rise,” its annual publication featuring early onset colorectal cancer survivors. Dallmann’s personal blog highlights his active life and the ups and downs of dealing with an ostomy.

"Being diagnosed with rectal cancer and waking up from surgery to know I would live the rest of my life with an ostomy was the greatest challenge I've encountered,” Dallmann said. “I emerged from months of self-doubt to embrace the new path I would now travel, and made the decision to not let it limit me, but use my life and my achievements as an example to others who find themselves in my shoes."

About ASCRS

The 3,600-member American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, located in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, is the premier society for colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum and anus.  Its board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete a residency in general surgery, plus an additional year in colon and rectal surgery, and pass an intensive examination conducted by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  For more information, visit www.fascrs.org.