March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so teachers at Anna L. Klein School contributed to the cause by participating in a fundraising event on Monday, March 5.

Each of the participating teachers contributed $5 and received a “dress-down day” in return. The money went to the organization Fight CRC, supporting research, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer.

While colorectal cancer diagnoses have decreased in persons over age 50, the number of victims under age 50 has quadrupled in recent years, emphasizing the importance of getting screened.

The event was spearheaded by Bob Ceragno, owner of Eye Contact Vision Center on Bergenline Avenue and a survivor of colorectal cancer due to early diagnosis. Since 2015 when he was diagnosed and beat the disease he has been an avid activist encouraging others to get screened. To date he has raised over $13,000 for Fight CRC.

Ceragno was invited by Mayor Wayne Zitt to partner with the teaching staff at Anna L. Klein School to raise awareness and funds.

The Guttenberg Police Department got into the action by having one of their cars decorated with cancer awareness notices for the month. Also on hand to help spread the word on March 5 were Mayor Zitt, School Superintendent Michelle Rosenberg, Councilman John Habermann, Town Administrator Cosmo Cirillo, and Recreation Department Director Mark Rogers.

The public can contribute to the cause by visiting http://www.eyecontactofnorthbergen.com/raising-awareness.

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