DetecTogether

I used to work EMS and although I’ve been fortunate enough to never have been diagnosed with cancer, my father and grandparents have. I love that this organization is helping people understand the signs and know when it’s time to go get checked out. Especially regarding emergency medicine and first response. Keep up the good work!!!

DetecTogether saved my life. I learned about DetecTogether (formally 15-40), and not 2 months later I needed to use the 3-steps detect when I found a lump in my breast during a self-exam in the shower. I skipped step 2, the two-week rule, and called my doctor immediately. I knew my body, I knew my normal, I knew this was a change, and I advocated to get the testing I needed. My (prior) primary care doctor stated I was "too young to get cancer"; at age 29. I was diagnosed the following week with Stage 1 Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Upon meeting my oncologist, she stated that had I WAITED, like my PCP suggested, my prognosis would have been much much different. I thank DetecTogether every day for their lifesaving education, which not only gave me the confidence to speak up and advocate for myself, but for SAVING MY LIFE. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will be 10 years cancer free May 29, 2024!!!!

I’m thoroughly impressed with the quality of the programs put out by DetecTogether. Catching cancer early is so important to saving lives and maintaining a quality of life.

Outstanding grass roots education, mission based, community minded, reaching both the 1:1 audience and digital, social media needs with life saving early Cancer detection. Love DetecTogether on passing the good news of early interventions to families, civic groups, schools, utility companies and first responders. Keep up great work

Detec Together has visited my high school on numerous occasions-we have gone from small classroom discussions to a very impactful panel of former graduates sharing their cancer survival stories. Absolute lifesaver Thank you for all you do.
Grateful High School Teacher ❤️

DetecTogether is a great program that has been introduced to my high school students for several years now. The program presented a way for the students and myself on how to advocate for themselves and be aware of possible health signs that may lead to early detection. Their team has a true passion for their work and the message was felt by all attendees. Overall a great program and would definitely recommend them to anyone considering.

DetecTogether is an invaluable nonprofit organization that is specifically vital for our youths/teens. As a high school teacher, bringing this information to our students' attention is truly life saving. The Director or Programs and Partnerships is extremely knowledgable and truly cares about this information being spread successfully! Her experience teaching this in the high school setting allows us to relay the program/information to our students in a way that is engaging to all

I teach this curriculum in Worcester Public Schools. It’s great to simplify early detection and empower our youth to advocate for their health. This is hands down one of my favorite items to teach. The kids are very interested and engaged during this unit. DetecTogether does great work :)

What an incredible organization! Not only do they have an amazing life saving message - DetecTogether has an amazing team of people who are passionate to save lives. They saved me from going through chemo or radiation due to their 3 Steps Detect., or even my life if I waited long enough. This organization will always hold a special place in my heart as they continue to grow and expand with their goal of being country wide! They will continue to save lives with a passionate attitude and continue to do great things!

DetecTogether came to my firehouse and gave a class on the importance of early detection and how it saves lives in the fire service. It made a huge difference for me months later when I started noticing health changes and used their 3-steps to advocate for my health. I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and because I advocated for testing my cancer was found removed and I now have an 85% survival rate, who knows where I’d be had I ignored my symptoms. I am and will always be grateful for DetecTogether and thei work they do to help educate not only firefighters but the general public of the importance of early detection.

DetecTogether reached out to me when I shared my personal cancer story with my network and offered me an opportunity to use their platform and help others. The DetecTogether team took the time to understand what I had been through and allowed me to tell my story the way I wanted to.

I ran the Falmouth Road Race recently as a member of the team DetecTogether. The organization was very supportive, helpful, and very appreciative of our time and fundraising efforts. Their mission is extremely important and I was very satisfied with my experience with them.

DetecTogether does amazing work teaching the community about the importance of early detection and advocacy. I have learned so much through their 3 steps detect program and have been able to share what I’ve learned with others!

DetecTogether is an amazing organization. I have participated in two marathon fundraising campaigns for the organization, and I am looking forward to working with them more in the future.

In 2022 I had the honor of running the Boston Marathon in support of DetecTogether. What drew me to DetecTogether was their belief that knowledge is power and taking an active role in your own personal health can save your life. In listening to friends that have been diagnosed with cancer it has always struck me how they wish they knew earlier that the symptoms they were feeling were the disease itself and something to do with their lifestyle or simply just aging. What I found at DetecTogether is a group of passionate and dedicated individuals that deeply believe in their mission to provide much needed knowledge to the community in an effort to save lives.

My son is an FDNY firefighter and was asked to raise funds and run the Boston Marathon in 2022 for DetecTogether. Prior to that, we had not heard of this incredible organization. But after doing some research about their mission and accomplishments and having the pleasure of meeting with many of staff, it became clear they really are a top notch organization, looking to help others in the early detection of cancer. I am a breast cancer survivor and was more than happy to share my story about early detection with DetecTogether to help with their mission of saving others. They are well educated and caring organization and I simply cannot say enough good about them!

DetecTogether, founded by Jim and Nancy Coghlin, and their families, to help save lives through early cancer detection, have created a team of very caring individuals to spread the word on early cancer detection. They just love helping people, and the most warming story is to receive a phone call from a person who says, "early cancer detection saved MY LIFE". The Coghlin family and the very caring people that work for DetecTogether are saving lives, one meeting or message at a time. If you are able, please help them help save lives!

DetecTogether really gets it done! This nonprofit spends its time, talent and treasure to train and spread the word about early cancer detection. Although their success might be difficult to quantify they are saving innumerable lives. With the simple "3 steps to detect" program individuals learn how to detect cancer early and when you discover cancer in stage 1 or 2 the odds of survival increase exponentially.

When I choose a nonprofit to support I not only want a program I believe in I also want a charity that the money I donate truly goes to the solution of a problem. DetecTogether's low overhead assures me that I am getting the biggest bang for my buck. My family and business has supported them since their inception and we will continue to do so in the future.

I ran the 2022 Boston marathon with DetecTogether and saw first hand how organized, efficient, professional, and enthusiastic the staff is about the cause. It was a great group of people that I had a privilege to interact with and the work they do for early cancer detection is second to none. If you need any more evidence just look at their Instagram as they are visiting new groups of people (often firefighters) on a daily basis and spreading the word about early cancer detection and treatment. Charities like DetecTogether make the world a better place and as someone who’s mother and aunt discovered cancer early and had it treated successfully I’m forever grateful for them and the work they do!

This past April, I had the honor of running the 126th Boston Marathon with Team DetecTogether. The mission of DetecTogether is to save lives by teaching people how to detect cancer early and be active partners in their healthcare. I first learned about this important organization through my friend Henry Carr at the College of the Holy Cross. Henry would speak on campus for DetecTogether about his personal experiences with cancer, and I am proud to continue supporting this mission in honor of Henry who passed away in 2017. Having personally known too many family and friends touched by cancer diagnoses, I've seen the devastation this disease can cause. We are all at risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and more than 40% of us will receive one throughout our lives. Patient awareness and action is key, timing is everything and you can be 10X more likely to survive cancer if you catch it early. DetecTogether is an incredible organization with a life-saving mission by giving more people access to the tools they need for early detection.

My wife Lesa and I have been involved with DetecTogether since its inception. Unfortunately, my wife was diagnosed with cancer in March, 2022. Her symptoms were somewhat mild and could have easily been pushed aside, but the DT message of 3 Steps Detect kept resonating with her and she immediately called to expedite her doctors appt. She did require surgery to remove the cancer and was told by her oncologist that because the cancer was diagnosed early the cancer did not spread and she was spared having to go through any radiation or chemotherapy. Thank you DetecTogether for educating us on the importance of early detection.

I decided to raise funds for this amazing organization because it touches directly my heart. I’ve lost loved ones to cancer that I’m pretty sure that if it had been detected earlier the story would have been so different. It is very important to know and be aware of early detection signs and this is a great organization that creates awareness around it!

I was fortunate enough to particpate as a fund raiser for this wonderful organziation in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the Asics Falmouth Road Race. The people and purpose of this non-profit are exemplary. The mission of detecting cancer early can benefit everyone in society and the people at DetecTogether carry out their mission professionally and passionately. Not only was I able to spread the word to friends and family, but I also was personally educated about early detection. I cannot say enough about how much I have benefitted from my association with this organization.

DetecTogether has a great message everyone needs to hear! They mostly work with young adults and first responders but their message applies to everyone.

If I knew about their 3 steps Detect method of early cancer detection I would be further along in my cancer recovery. 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our life. Early detection can increase your survival rate by as much as 10x

At every event I attend, I hear heartfelt, personal stories of lives changed because of their important message. I am always struck by just how many people who hear the message of DetecTogether, were ignoring symptoms and then use the methods and strategies to get themselves checked or further advocate for themselves for further treatment. Since the best diagnosis is an early diagnosis, I believe this organization has saved many lives through their efforts. On top of having a truly impactful mission the people in the organization are top notch and connect with so many in our community, from schools to businesses and municipalities, they educate everywhere. I highly recommend learning more about this organization and glad to be a supporter.

I've' been familiar with DetecTogether for many years. It was 15-40 Connection and then they did a rebrand and I have been working with them for many years. I have watched them grow and evolve as a nonprofit. Founder Jim Coughlin is blazing a trail with his own experience with cancer.
DetecTogether address' the mystery and questions that many are afraid to ask their doctor when it comes to cancer. The entire organization is dedicated to this cause and doing everything they can to educate and inform the public about cancer and the questions that should be asked. I am particularly intrigued by group training that they offer to students and firefighters. DetecTogether is helpful to everyone. It's a cause we can all get behind. Everyone is touched by cancer.

DetecTogether is a fantastic organization staffed by incredibly hard working, dedicated and compassionate individuals. The value they provide to our firefighters is immeasurable. Their "Three Steps Detect" program and recent skin cancer screening event at Worcester's Polar Park increased awareness and demonstrated to a great many of our firefighters the practical side of cancer screenings and early detection. Having observed up close how hard DetecTogether worked to help our department it's difficult to truly express my level of respect for the organization, its people and its mission.

DetecTogether was proactive and took the lead in providing Cancer screenings for our fire fighters. They overcame logistical challenges to care for hundreds of fire fighters with creative solutions and a team approach. Their hard work resulted in fire fighters gaining new awareness, and in many cases the early detection of Cancer. The value of our fire fighters being partnered with DetecTogether is without measure.

At the age of 37, 12 years into my career as a Firefighter, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. During my year long oral chemotherapy treatment I was fortunate enough to meet the wonderful people from DetecTogether. They promote early detection and also educate firefighters on the dangers of occupational cancer and the 3 steps to detect. As a firefighter and a young adult DetecTogethers message really resonated with me. I started speaking with them and telling my story. They gave me a platform to help others. The organization truly gave me a purpose while I was going through treatment and I truly believe the work we did together was life changing for myself and others. I will forever be grateful for this organization and the great friends I’ve met there. I am 1 year 3 months cancer free, but I will never stop fighting for a cure and never stop educating others with DetecTogether.

Fantastic organization with an empowering mission. I have loved working with them and seeing their impact saving lives!!!

I didn't know I had a cancer "story" until I was introduced to Detectogether. The folks at this important organization helped me to realize that early detection very likely saved my life. At 26 I was diagnosed with melanoma. Gratefully my primary care physician found it at a very early stage. I would have never questioned the irregular freckle that I had had my entire life. I would have never seen a dermatologist. My story could have turned out very differently. The work that Detectogether does helps to make positive stories like mine more likely.

DetectTogether is incredible organization made of up truly genuine individuals making an impact in our society! Their mission to increase early Detection education will continue to save lives. They have such an incredible impact on helping drive awareness to early detection.
They also help cancer survivors by being a platform to share their story as they work through their own healing process. You will not find a better organization out there, keep up all the great work!

DetecTogether (formally 14-40 connection) has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. When my cousin was diagnosed with cancer at a young age I saw her speak and raise funds to spread life saving education to those who needed it. When I was diagnosed with cancer many years later I decided to join and tell my story. Through DetecTogether we can help people, by giving them education that will someday hopefully save their lives and empower people to talk about their health. When more people know what to look for and more people are communicating with their care team about their health that is when DetecTogether has done their job. Keep up the amazing work everyone!

DetecTogether is truly an exceptional organization. They very successfully synthesize an enormous amount of complex and continuously evolving information in order to create simple and approachable education that save lives. They are also a team of warm and deeply compassionate individuals who know how to really reach people. Because of what we learned from DetecTogether my friend and colleague was able to detect her cancer early and survive and thrive.

15-40 Connection has the most dedicated group of people working tirelessly to save lives by educating people on the importance of early detection!

15-40's work advocating for this groups cancer detection and prevention philosophy via a simple education program is most effective! I've seen it first hand as a survivor and volunteer and their fund raising program dedicated to this mission is extremely classy and fulfilling to be a part of!

15-40 connection , and the work they do advocating for early cancer detection saves lives! Their passionate and poignant message reminds us to tune in to our bodies and our health.

15-40 Connection has done remarkable work in raising the public's awareness of simple steps one can take to detect changes in one's health early on, particularly when the changes may be related to an underlying cancer. They are addressing an area heretofore generally unaddressed by the medical community and other health organizations. I cannot recall any organization or program focused in the area of early detection that places the knowledge in the hands of the individual to help themselves. Based on my participation in one of their annual program events and conversations with the 15-40 staff, it is apparent that they are:
(1) making sound investment decisions in their fund raising program to ensure long term growth and sustainability, (2) developing and executing programs that are reaching the target audience, (3) maintaining a highly skilled and professional staff. Testimonies from people who have overcome cancer due to early detection serve as proof that the 15-40 Connection approach is working, particularly with the more youthful population. I think 15-40 is a very mission oriented organization that keeps the focus on their primary purpose. I don't worry about how my donation will be used in this organization....their programs demonstrate a commitment to serving the population at risk. In my view, this successful organization will continue to grow and expand their reach in the years ahead.

15-40 is in incredible organization full of passionate, positive people that are dedicated to early cancer detection awareness. I have been involved with them as a volunteer for their annual golf tournament and gala fundraiser for 6/7 years and am grateful for all the knowledge I have gained working with them. Their mission and education has directly impacted me and my family, and I believe every person could benefit from their 3 Steps Detect Program. Although their focus is on early cancer detection, the concepts they teach translate to all areas of self awareness and advocacy when it comes to your health. Such a great group!

I started volunteering with 15-40 in 2012, a couple of years after I finished treatment for breast cancer. I was diagnosed at age 25 with advanced and aggressive breast cancer. This organization spreads cancer awareness by focusing on the importance of early cancer detection. The idea is that if people focusing on knowing their own bodies and knowing what their "great" feels like, they aware more in tuned to when things aren't going that great, and can contact a doctor. You should feel empowered to call a doctor after having such The 15-40 not only has great messaging, it has helped many cancer survivors turn their negative diagnosis into a positive experience by giving back.

I had the privilege of running for 15-40's 2019 Boston Marathon team. Since then, I've kept in touch and couldn't be happier with my experience with them.

I chose to run for 15-40 because I strongly believe in their cause. Catching cancer is so critical but there's so much stigma about seeing a doctor over seemingly 'minor' ailments. In my case, those ailments were the early warning signs of cancer that ended taking both of my grandmothers. The more support 15-40 has, the fewer people there will be that have to go through that.

I work at an inner-city high school in Worcester MA. I worked closely with 15-40 as I became a trained instructor. I use the powerpoint as an outline for my cancer unit. I love the simplicity of the 3 steps. I also love that the conversation around cancer is very powerful and uplifting vs. depressing and sad. The kids retain a lot from this unit and the games allow for the lesson to be very interactive.

My father-in-law introduced me to a charity. Soon after I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. Like most people who died from pancreatic cancer my fathers wasn’t recognized until it was stage four. I didn’t know anything about pancreatic cancer Until I lost my father in the message of 15-40 seemed to ring very true. At my father’s funeral I mention 15-40, their purpose, and the need to be aware of our physical being. If things weren’t feeling right, to get it checked out. My cousin’s boyfriend heard the message, went to the doctor and found that he had testicular cancer. After quite a battle these past few months and he’s cancer free, but at 26 he might have waited too long to see a doctor. There is a need for people to understand the risks of cancer, and that need is being helped by 15–40.

I was introduced to the 15-40 through a friend, Ann Zelesky. After training with Alicia in the 15-40 curriculum, I knew I was into something great!! This is the BEST curriculum I’ve ever used from a non-profit and my students are engaged from moment #1.

The message is clear and applies to every with a pulse. Thank you 15-40 for your support in spreading awareness about early detection of cancer!!!

The 15-40 Connection changes people's lives every day in promoting self-advocacy and self-awareness in the early detection and treatment of cancer. Their message is consistent, their staff is compassionate and dedicated and the stories that they encourage cancer survivors to share are poignant, powerful and real.
The conversations they seek to promote reach out to people of all age groups. The 3 Steps to Early Cancer Detection are rules I live by each day and continue to instill in my two teenage children. And beyond advocating for our own health, my children and I have had the privilege of working under the guidance of Founder and Chief Volunteer Jim Coghlin, Sr., Executive Director Tricia Laursen and Director of the Annual Gala Susan Cyr, at several Annual Gala Fundraisers. It is at these events that the message takes on a different meaning, as hundreds of 15-40 Connection staff, volunteers and guests come together in highlighting the importance of their mission in saving lives. The events have been informative, energetic and inspiring to my children and me and have provided us with an opportunity to become fully engaged in promoting such a worthy message and cause. It all begins with the individual and the realization that each individual much first believe in the power of their voice and their intuition.

I am very proud to be a supporter of the 15-40 Connection. The 15-40 has allowed myself, my family and my friends to be more in tune with our bodies and to seek appropriate medical care when something seems "off" with our health. This non profit organization has educated me the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to seeking medical care because no one knows your body better than yourself. The 15-40 Connection has taught this age group that they are not invincible and a simple visit to the doctor due to an abnormal symptom can actually save a life due to early detection. Great job 15-40 team... keep on spreading the word in the hopes of saving more lives!

When I first learned about the 15-40 Connection, I was blown away by the staggering and unacceptable statistic expressing the lack of improvement in survival rates for such a significant age population. The 15-40 strives to improve that statistic through a very unique approach - awareness and education. It empowers people to take control of their health and realize the important role one has in their own diagnosis and well-being. YOU play a huge role in YOUR health! Medical research and advancements in treatment are wonderful and universally recognized for their importance, but the 15-40's messages of knowing your own "normal", recognizing symptoms and the power of early detection are critical to the fight against cancer and improving survival rates for this vibrant age population.

The 15-40 Connection has made such a profound difference for anyone who has been touched by its mission. My children and their friends are all right in the middle of this 15-40 Gap. They are all so much better prepared in recognizing symptoms, performing self exams and being active participants in their annual physicals. Thank you 15-40 team. You are making a huge difference.

15-40 connection is a growing organization promoting and educating individuals on the early signs and symptoms of cancer in those who are 15-40 years old. I was first introduced to this organization as a junior in high school. Professionals from 15-40 spoke to my health class about the early signs and symptoms of cancers mainly found in our age group. I then again was introduced to this organization as a sophomore in college in nursing school. As a member of the medical profression, specifically a nurse, this organization is extremely important and informative to people who may not know as much about cancer. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of different types of cancer can allow for early treatment and a better prognosis. Overall, this is a beneficial organization that brings awareness to health that is frequently overlooked.

The 15-40 is a game changer and a differentiator. There is so much time and money spent on research and treatment (which is important), however there should be equal amounts of time and resources invested in education and early detection. That is what the 15-40 focuses on and is making a difference. In my experience the message has been well received... "would you recognize a cancer symptom?" Sounds so simple, but surprised how many people just don't know. 15-40 is leading the charge to change that...early detection saves time, money and most importantly lives!!

This passionate organization has completely revolutionized the way that my family and I view our health and well being. It has brought awareness, focus, and accountability to "knowing our normal" and advocating for a doctors assessment when we notice any subtle but persistent changes to our "normal"feeling of good health. Keep doing great things through education and advocacy! We will continue spreading the word and supporting this game changing and lifesaving organization!

I really enjoy the personal stories of cancer survivors. So relatable and really reinforces a core message about how this can happen- even if you are young.

15-40 is amazing! I have been following them since my wonderful friend introduced me to their organization a year or so ago. There are so many inspiring stories to read, and I have learned so much! I've been able to share so much important information with friends and family on recognizing early signs of cancer. Thank you so much 15-40 for everything you do!

I have been following the 15- 40 Connection, inc. and am inspired by the many personal stories. Each one makes me stop and think about the subtle changes that often were not caught by the health care profession. It is so important to remember no one knows your body better than you and to keep pushing for answers when you are not feeling good.

15-40 is an amazing organization. Had the privilege to join a chapter at the univiersity of Connecticut. Deeply important message that every campus, and household needs! Best way to make a change to the numbers #MakeAChangetotheRange 15-40!

So happy to have a place like 15-40 spreading the importance of early detection of cancer symptoms in the schools. Having had skin cancer myself, I can't stress enough the importance of early detection and opening a dialogue with your own physicians. Thanks, 15-40, for getting the word out there for the younger population.

I became familiar with 15-40 Connection messaging several years ago and this year put what I learned to action. I had a change in my normal health so I checked in with a doctor when the symptoms didn't improve. My doctor wasn't overly concerned and outlined that my explanations of symptoms didn't make sense. When I didn't feel better, my doctor sent me to a specialist where they found the tumor that was causing the change. Because I acted early and was consistent with my story, I was diagnosed quickly and got the treatment I needed. Had I not had 15-40 Connection - I would have likely waited or just assumed this was going to be a new "uncomfortable" normal for me.

How are donations used? It's unclear what this charity actually does... everything on the website is really common sense information.

I was introduced to Jim Coghlin, founder of 15-40 connection, by a mutual friend when I was diagnosed with cancer at 18 years old. From the first moment I met Jim, I knew that he was sincere and really cared about my well-being as a patient and person. Over the years, I have had experiences with the entire 15-40 connection team, all of which have been positive and true to the goals of the organization.
Not only has 15-40 given me the opportunity to speak about my experience with cancer, but it has also gotten me in touch with other cancer survivors who have shared in the experiences and emotions that come along with a cancer diagnosis. As much as I feel like working with 15-40 helps other people, it is also therapeutic for me and the other survivors.
From the great relationships I've formed to all the amazing experiences I've had, I cannot thank the 15-40 connection enough, and will continue to support them in any way I can.

while their mission is great, the way that they go about sharing it is flawed. There is too much focus on white middle to upper class people and not on some of the demographics that may need it most.