National Intern Day: Meet the GCCA Intern Team
The next generation of leaders plays an essential role in advancing patient advocacy and improving outcomes for people affected by colorectal cancer. This National Intern Day, GCCA is proud to celebrate two talented interns who have brought fresh ideas, curiosity, and dedication to our team. Throughout their internships, they contributed to meaningful projects while gaining firsthand experience in global health, nonprofit advocacy, and CRC education. In the reflections below, they share what they learned, the experiences that shaped them, and how their time at GCCA has influenced their personal and professional journeys.
From Jasper Conway
My name is Jasper Conway, and since April, I have had the incredible opportunity to intern for the Global Colon Cancer Association. As a college student with a passion for advocacy work, specifically in medical spaces, GCCA’s mission of improving access to colorectal cancer screenings and patient care aligned with my own personal goals, so joining seemed like the natural next step.
During my time at GCCA, I have researched and vetted organizations for membership into our greater oncology network, explored pipeline and approved drugs for colorectal cancer, written up a guide to pharmaceutical companies at ASCO, assisted in fundraising initiatives, designed and presented a project slideshow, and now…I can say I help write blog posts. Each experience has offered me insight into how GCCA functions and supports those affected by colon cancer worldwide.
Before joining, I knew what a colonoscopy was, but I wasn’t yet aware of the prevalence of the disease and just how important screening could be for prevention. Over the last couple of months, I have learned about biomarker tests, colon cancer symptoms, different treatment methods, and associated statistics. I feel my naivety highlights the need for improving awareness and education about this disease, so people can be more informed about prevention and treatment options.
Working as an intern for GCCA, I often start my day by writing down a checklist for what I have to work on in a personal notebook I brought home from college. Post-it notes help me keep track of pages, and subheadings help me separate tasks into different categories. After taking notes in preparation for the day, I check my email for team updates, and on certain days of the week I attend virtual meetings. In these meetings, we discuss fundraising initiatives, deadlines, and schedule changes, and how we are managing our workload to keep one another on task. Through these meetings, I have had the privilege to get to know my colleagues on a more personal level. Their kindness and encouragement have made me feel truly embraced by the GCCA community.
One of the most impactful parts of my time at GCCA has been learning about the personal stories of those who have faced colon cancer and other related cancers in my work vetting membership organizations. In Biology class, we learn about cancerous cells and how they duplicate, but we don’t look at it from the perspective of those affected. Vetting organizations has allowed me to learn about the personal journeys of different champions of colon cancer, their work improving awareness, and the emotional and informational support they have offered for others facing this disease. Their inspirational work acts as a constant reminder of the timeless impact advocacy can have on people’s lives.
The last three months of working as an intern for GCCA have been profound, showing me the different ways a non-profit can inform, assist, and provide for diverse communities. Witnessing the hard work, dedication, and mindfulness the GCCA team puts into all their initiatives has helped shape the principles I plan to uphold in my future goals and career aspirations. Working in such a collaborative space has also given me newfound confidence to take on new responsibilities, comforted by the knowledge that the GCCA team will guide me through any task or hurdle that comes my way. Lastly, my time at GCCA has helped me find the courage to offer opinions and ideas in professional spaces, only possible because of the team's unwavering compassion, empathy, and open-minded perspective.
I greatly appreciate all that I have learned and experienced during my first few months at GCCA, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
From Ethan McNamara
When I joined the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) in September of 2025, I was simply looking for an opportunity to gain experience in healthcare and research. Looking back now, I can confidently say that this internship became so much more than another line on my resume. It challenged me, helped me grow professionally and personally, and strengthened my passion for pursuing a career dedicated to improving the lives of patients.
I began my internship working on individual research projects, contributing wherever I could while learning more about colorectal cancer and patient advocacy. As time went on, I became more integrated into the organization. I was invited to more meetings, collaborated with many team members, and gradually took on more responsibilities. It was incredibly rewarding to see the trust the GCCA team placed in me. One of the greatest lessons I learned during my time with the GCCA was the value of collaboration. Being part of those conversations taught me that meaningful progress doesn't happen because of one person. It happens because people are willing to listen, share ideas, and work together.
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects ranging from scientific research to global health initiatives. One project in particular has become especially meaningful to me. While I can’t share details, I can say that being involved in an initiative with the potential to improve patient care on a global scale has been so inspiring.
One of the biggest areas of growth for me was my confidence. Public speaking has always been something I have struggled with. Over time I became more comfortable with the team and I found myself asking more questions, sharing ideas, and contributing to discussions. Although I still have room to grow, I am proud of how much progress I’ve made. This internship has helped me develop skills that I know will benefit me through my education and future career.
Beyond the projects and professional development, what made this experience truly special were the people. From the beginning, everyone at the GCCA created an environment where I felt welcomed and encouraged to learn. They trusted me with meaningful responsibilities and treated me as a valued member of the team. As a college student, that level of trust meant a lot.
I am especially grateful to Andrew, Nicole, and the entire GCCA team for believing in me and giving me opportunities that I never expected to have so early in my career. Their mentorship and encouragement have helped shape my professional goals and my confidence in myself. I will always appreciate the time that they invested in helping me grow.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Global Colon Cancer Association. This internship has not only helped prepare me for my future career—it has changed the way I think about healthcare, collaboration, and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on patients around the world.