EngagementXChange - March 2026

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ANSCHUTZ CANCER CENTER

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

MARCH 24, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS East Middle School Career Fair Karely Villarreal Hernandez, Tatiana Gerena, and Sindy Gonzalez onsite at Holder Construction for a cancer education presentation

SCREENING MADE SIMPLE WITH FREE FIT KITS SCREENING THAT’S SIMPLE, PRIVATE, AND FREE

The FIT for Life program through the University of Colorado Cancer Center works to increase colorectal cancer screening across Colorado by providing no cost fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits to eligible community members.

A FIT kit is a simple at-home screening test that detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. The program focuses on reaching uninsured or underinsured adults ages 45–75 and reducing disparities in screening and early detection.

In addition to distributing FIT kits and supporting follow-up care for abnormal results, we participate in outreach events across the state to raise awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and screening. We also aim to make our education accessible and engaging through interactive activities, including using a giant inflatable colon to help community members learn about colorectal health in a hands-on way.

April 1 // Aurora, CO Focus on vaping prevention, HPV vaccine education, and sun safety

Inside Out Presentation April 10 // Colo. Springs, CO Presentation on sun safety for LGBTQ+ youth

Research Roadshow April 14 // Pueblo, CO Resource fair for seniors where Cancer Center teams will share their research

Older Wiser Sexually Smarter April 28 // Denver, CO Prostate Cancer 101 presentation where participants will learn about prostate cancer and screening options

RESEARCH ROADSHOW BRINGING RESEARCH TO COMMUNITY

COE co-hosted a Research Roadshow at the YMCA in Centennial last month and over 160 community members attended! Our next Roadshow will be held on April 14 th at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colorado. For this event, we are partnering with AIS Medicare on their Senior Resource Fair that is expected to attract over 400 older adults from Pueblo and surrounding areas.

There will be seven cancer center research teams attending to talk about their studies on the association between heavy metals in the soil and DNA damage, leukemia in Latino children, predicting response to treatment for prostate cancer, and more. Our COE team will also be giving a presentation on radon and cancer risk during the event. We will be hosting our third Roadshow at Heather Gardens in Aurora, Colorado, on June 26 th . Visit our COE website for more information. Visit our website for more information.

MEET ALE SOTO MENDOZA COE Projects I Work On: 2Morrow Health, HPV Vaccination Navigation Program, RO1, and outreach events

Ale Soto Mendoza, MIA

COE Projects I Work On: COE-CARES, RO1, Spanish translations to support CU Cancer Center Investigators to engage Spanish-speaking communities, and Community and Outreach events

COE STAFF HIGHLIGHT

Why I chose COE: COE’s mission reflects both my professional commitment to breaking language barriers and my personal experience with cancer. Having clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate information is important for people whose first language is not English and underserved communities who often face the biggest barriers. With 18 years of experience in language access, cultural competency, and community‑centered work, I help ensure that patients and communities receive information they can understand and trust. I am passionate about bridging gaps in communication so that no one is left behind during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

My Interests: I am deeply passionate about advancing language access and justice and culturally responsive communication, particularly for Spanish‑speaking and underserved communities. My favorite quote by Nelson Mandela says: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." This reflects my belief that language is a bridge to dignity, connection, and healing. As a native Spanish speaker, connecting with my “paisanos” in the language that carries our stories, our familia, our humor, our pain, and our resilience, is invaluable. Speaking to someone in their own language is a way of saying “I see you and I respect you.”