5. Carmen Marc Valvo
As a colon cancer survivor, the fashion designer is involved in many efforts to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. He has joined forces with Katie Couric, the NCCRA and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, among others, according to his website. “Before I was diagnosed with colon cancer I was totally unaware of my own family history relating to the disease. With no family history on record, I was not eligible for prescreening by insurance and would have normally had to wait until the age of 50 for my first colon cancer screening. Had I waited my prognoses would have been much, much different,” he has said.
And just as styles change, Valvo’s views on life are evolving. “I’m trying to make discussing cancer fashionable,” says the designer, who’s become a dedicated cancer awareness advocate since being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2003. “Though fashion is my passion, this crusade has given my life a whole new direction.