Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2)
In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with Mindy Conklin, founder and Executive Director of Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2), a Virginia based nonprofit working to prevent and defeat colorectal cancer, to learn more about their mission and programs.
Q: What inspired you to start Hitting Cancer Below the Belt?
A. The organization was born from a deeply personal story. Mindy’s husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer at age 41 and passed away just two years later, in January 2011. Their children were 17 and 19 at the time. After stepping away from her career for a year, she realized how little people talked about colorectal cancer — and how awareness alone wasn’t enough. She launched efforts that moved people from “awareness to action,” starting with a 5K fundraiser and eventually identifying deeper gaps in prevention and support. Her late husband’s story, once considered rare, has become far too common. A collegiate athlete, he inspired the mindset that “cancer is the toughest opponent you will ever meet.”
Q: What is one thing you wish more Virginians understood about colorectal cancer?
A: Mindy wants Virginians to think of the colon like they think of the heart — essential, powerful, and deeply connected to whole‑body health. Historically, Hippocrates emphasized gut health as foundational to disease prevention, and that holds true today. Understanding how the colon works helps people protect it, improve their gut microbiome, and ultimately feel better by eating better. Education, not just screening, must be a priority, as gut health affects diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Q: How is your organization helping reduce barriers to colorectal cancer screening and care?
A: Hitting Cancer Below the Belt focuses on prevention and early detection through several initiatives:
- Colorectal Cancer Uninsured Screening Programs (CUSP) Initiative: Launched in 2017 with one clinic, now expanded to 17 clinics in 2026, offers screening to age- and risk-eligible patients with the FIT testing tool.
- Colonoscopy Support: After a positive FIT test, they help people who fall into the 200–300% coverage gap by offering a stipend to help the patient afford the procedure, coordinated through partner organizations.
- Free Colonoscopy Day: Partnering with 33 free clinics to eliminate waitlists; typically they can screen 22–25 individuals in one day.
- START Program (Screening the At Risk Together): Distributes FIT kits at health fairs in partnership with clinics or health systems.
- Navigator Support: Provides $20 gift cards and transportation vouchers to clinics without patient navigators.
- Educational programs: HCB2 will provide colon cancer education at community and corporate events and even bring an inflatable colon!
Q: What progress or impact are you most proud of so far?
A: Over 14 years, the organization has built strong engagement with both high school and college students — a challenging but rewarding space. They now have 18 Junior Board members who meet monthly via Zoom, and four of those students have started Colon Clubs at their high schools. What began as difficulty even posting flyers has transformed into a nine‑month curriculum with on‑site activities.
Q: What is one action people can take this month to protect their health or support colorectal cancer awareness?
A. This year’s theme is “Be a Key to Preventing CRC.” That can mean: paying attention to your gut health, asking relatives about family medical history, sharing information about the colon, or getting timely screening.
If you are over 45 and average risk — get screened.
If you are under 45, timely screening means no delay when symptoms or family history are present.
Q: Why does being part of the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia community matter to your work?
A: Relationships are at the heart of HCB2’s mission. CACV creates authentic, intentional connections that allow organizations to collaborate, respond rapidly, and ensure people in need don’t fall through the cracks. From helping a patient in Newport News get connected to screening, to partnering with clinics like Arlington Free Clinic, CACV’s network accelerates impact. Mindy emphasized that while data is important, relationships are what truly change outcomes.
Q: Anything else you’d like us to highlight?
A: Yes! Don’t miss the 14th Annual Boxer Brief 5K and virtual challenge. Participants can run, walk, bike, swim, paddleboard in their own hometown — any movement counts. Families are encouraged to join in with fun additions like the Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot, and Caped Colon Crusader, all for free. The race takes place June 6th and features a high‑energy atmosphere with food trucks and games.
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