Inspired by patient-scientist Dr. Tom Marsilje, who co-founded COLONTOWN’s clinical trials neighborhoods, this program trains participants to educate community members about clinical trials as a treatment option and to guide patients in identifying and pursuing appropriate clinical trial options.
2022 EMPOWER Trials Training
New for 2022, this program is intended to reach stage IV CRC patients and caregivers who are interested in exploring clinical trials as a potential treatment option.
Workshops will be conducted both virtually and in person, with the first virtual session scheduled for late spring of 2022.
After the workshops, participants will
- Demonstrate improved knowledge about clinical trials
- Express greater confidence in their ability to talk with their care team about clinical trials
- Express greater willingness/likelihood to screen for a clinical trial
- Develop a ‘Personal Trial Portfolio’ including a "clinical trial action plan," including a short-list of trials to research and discuss with their care team
Program Faculty
Julie Saliba Clauer
Julie, a stage IV CRC patient, is a Deputy Mayor of COLONTOWN and a manager of our trials and education programs.
Steve Schwarze
Steve, a Professor of Communications and stage IV CRC patient, is PALTOWN's Director of Clinical Trials Programming.
Navigator Training Program
Our inaugural training, presented in 2020 in collaboration with Fight CRC, offered participants from COLONTOWN and Fight CRC’s Research Advocacy and Training Support Program the opportunity to:
- Share in-depth knowledge about the Late-Stage MSS Trial Finder and other trial-finding resources
- Learn about relevant biomarkers and other factors than can help patients narrow their trial options
- Learn about genomic testing related to clinical trial selection
- Practice conversation techniques for helping patients clarify their goals for participating in clinical trials
- Lay the groundwork for implementing a trial navigation program in COLONTOWN
After a pandemic break, PALTOWN is planning a new version of this program in 2022.
Program Faculty
Steve Schwarze
Steve, a Professor of Communications and stage iv crc patient, is PALTOWN's Director of Clinical Trials Programming.
Manju George
Manju, PALTOWN's Scientific Director, manages COLONTOWN's CRC 101 group. A PhD and DVM, she is a rectal cancer survivor and clinical trials educator.
Maia Walker
Maia, a longtime clinical trials navigator and patient advocate, is Lead Curator of Fight CRC's Trial Finder.
2022 Program Sponsors
2021 Program Sponsors
2020 Program Partner
