Colon Cancer Coalition's *Don't Miss It campaign brings home the gold

MINNEAPOLIS & OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 29, 2016 -- The Colon Cancer Coalition has received international and regional recognition for the *Don't Miss It campaign, a public service message about the importance of colon cancer screening.

Created by Omaha-based advertising agency, OBI Creative, the *Don't Miss It campaign has been awarded a Gold in the 2015 International MarCom Awards for Public Service Campaigns and two Gold Nebraska AAF Addys for Integrated Media PSA campaign and landing page. The campaign also won three 2015 Nebraska PRSA awards; an Award of Excellence for Public Service – Nonprofit campaign, an Award of Excellence for Public Service Announcement and an Award of Merit for the *Don't Miss It video.

*Don't Miss It aims to connect with individuals on an emotional level and equip them with information needed to be proactive with their health. Using a simple asterisk above important life events, such as a wedding, family milestones, or the birth of a grandchild, *Don't Miss It shows in a brief, informative and emotionally impactful way that some terms and conditions may apply to life, unless you get screened. All print, digital and broadcast components of this campaign direct individuals to WhyGetScreened.org to learn more or find a screening provider in their area.

The campaign debuted in Boston in May 2015, and has since been seen in New York City; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Watertown, S.D. In March 2016, Colon Cancer Awareness Month, this award-winning screening campaign will be featured in Allentown, Penn.; Houston, Texas; Janesville, Wis.; Kansas City, Mo.; Mobile, Ala.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Wichita, Kan.

"The *Don't Miss It campaign gives us the opportunity to reach people at an emotional level about the realities of colorectal cancer," says Anne Carlson, executive director of the Colon Cancer Coalition. "By targeting messages at audiences in the traditional screening ages, as well as younger adults who may have family history or could be experiencing symptoms, we encourage all to understand their body, their risks, and their options."

"We are thrilled that Colon Cancer Coalition and their important and impactful message is thriving and continuing to spread across the country - whether in campaigns hosted by cities and organizations or in an award ceremony where a room full of professionals also benefit from learning more about how they can continue taking care of themselves so they don't miss what's important in life," added Mary Ann O'Brien, CEO of OBI Creative and advocate for continued colon cancer awareness.

Many common digestive ailments have similar symptoms, and symptoms don't always mean a serious condition exists; however, long term discomfort, recurring, or multiple symptoms should be checked by a trusted physician. Colon cancer symptoms include:

• Change in bowel habits
• Change in the color or shape of the stool
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the toilet after having a bowel movement
• Stomach discomfort or cramping, including a continual urge to have a bowel movement
• Unexplained fatigue, weakness or weight loss

About the Colon Cancer Coalition

The Colon Cancer Coalition is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to encouraging screening and raising awareness for colon cancer. The organization's signature Get Your Rear in Gear® and Tour de Tush™ events are volunteer-driven in communities throughout the United States. Since 2004, millions of dollars have been granted by the Colon Cancer Coalition to local programs that promote early prevention, screening, and patient support services for this disease. By making the words colon, colorectal and colonoscopy a part of the everyday language, we believe we can overcome the fear and decrease deaths from this largely preventable cancer.  For more information visit ColonCancerCoalition.org.

About OBI Creative

OBI Creative is a research-based, innovation-driven advertising agency and digital interactive group. Founded in 2001 by Mary Ann O'Brien, OBI Creative focuses on the customer to determine motivations, behaviors and key consideration drivers. Armed with that knowledge, the award-winning OBI team aligns those motivations, with our clients' products and services, to provide actionable, marketing strategies, which drive intended results.

The O'Brien Voice of the Customer, or o.VoC™, is the study of the experience or interaction between a company and its customers from the customer perspective and the foundation for subsequent strategic communications and creative approach. It is used by best in class brands throughout the globe to steer their strategic direction.

Photos accompanying this release are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=39194

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=39195

CONTACT: Erin Peterson, [email protected]