Dr. James D. Bearden III receives Betty Ann Moore Advocacy Award
SPARTANBURG – Dr. James D. Bearden III, oncologist and vice president of clinical research at Spartanburg Regional, is the first recipient of the Betty Ann Advocacy Award.
The award was conceived by John Moore and Anne Brady Moore Carlson, the children of the late Betty Ann Moore. Bearden treated Moore during her three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Throughout her illness, Moore was an advocate for colon cancer screening. She died in 2002. With their mother serving as an inspiration, her two children continue to spread the word on colon cancer awareness.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Although preventable, it claims the lives of approximately 50,000 Americans each year.
In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and their late mother’s birthday, Moore and Carlson recently united to honor their mother with the “Unmasking Colon Cancer Ball,” an annual event held to encourage colon cancer awareness.
This year, Moore and Carlson wanted to give special recognition to someone they felt needed to be applauded for an outstanding dedication to colon cancer treatment. Both felt Bearden was the appropriate choice for this award because of his outstanding commitment to the late Moore.
“Dr. Bearden was very helpful and great,” Moore said. “He is a doctor who went above and beyond for all his patients, not just our mom.”
Not only did Bearden treat Moore’s mother but he also helped Moore and Carlson start the Betty Ann Moore Colon Cancer Awareness Fund.
“He helped us turn an extremely difficult situation into an opportunity to help others,” Moore said.
Bearden said Moore’s positive outlook on life will encourage not only those in the Spartanburg community but also the entire country to have colonoscopies.
“We want awareness to stimulate those who are at risk,” Bearden said. “It’s not just a screening but a therapeutic procedure. This is one of the most significant awards I’ve received … I was honored to fight along with Betty Ann.”