Region – 15-40 Connection, a Westborough-based education and advocacy organization that teaches people how to detect cancer early, brought its 3 Steps Detect℠ education program to Shrewsbury High School March 3. The entire student body took take part in the lifesaving training supported by the Michael Bodge Tribute Fund. A panel of cancer survivors, including Asa Floyd, whose life was saved after he learned 3 Steps, shared their stories as part of the presentation.
Shrewsbury High School graduate, Michael Bodge, was 28 when he died of testicular cancer. Like many, Bodge did not know how to recognize cancer symptoms, and he was diagnosed too late. In his memory, Bodge’s family and friends set up a fund to support early cancer detection education programs and to carry on his legacy of helping others. 15-40 Connection has educated 4,500 high school and college students since the fund’s inception in the spring of 2019.
“Shrewsbury High School graduate Mike Bodge embodied kindness, selflessness, courage and strength. We are grateful to be the beneficiaries of the efforts of his family, friends, and classmates to bring 15-40’s lifesaving early detection education to today’s SHS students in his memory. The way people come together to improve the lives of today’s students is inspiring,” said Jane O. Lizotte, EdD, Assistant Superintendent for Community Partnerships and Well-Being.
15-40 Connection teaches people how to identify early symptoms of cancer, gives a timeframe for action, and empowers patients to collaborate with their doctors for best health outcomes. The nonprofit delivers its training to high schools, colleges, community groups and organizations throughout New England and beyond.
For more information visit https://www.15-40.org.
