Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons cancelled its Annual Scientific Meeting originally scheduled for June 6-10, 2020, in Boston. Protecting the health and safety of our members, attendees, patients and families was paramount in this decision, but some annual meeting activities will carry on virtually, like the Local Hero Award.

This award recognizes a patient who has been affected by a colorectal disease, has contributed to the local community through advocacy or public outreach efforts and has an inspirational message for others. This year’s Local Hero Award recipient is Amy Ennis.

Amy Ennis, a Boston local, and was only 38 years old when she was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Ennis received treatment at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC)’s Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Center. Ennis underwent surgery to remove the cancer before receiving chemotherapy. This treatment plan seemed to be working, but about a year later a routine scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized to both of her lungs.

“The stage IV diagnosis was 100 times harder than the first one.”

More chemotherapy and four lung surgeries later, Ennis continues to be closely monitored for signs of disease. Ennis said she uses her young daughter as motivation.
Now Ennis is focused on helping other young cancer patients like herself. She created a team for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk that supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber.


The award presentation will take place Wednesday, June 3, at 5:00 pm Pacific/7:00 pm Central/8:00 pm Eastern. We encourage our members to hear from Ennis herself during this event.

Watch the recorded video here.