Josh Gerloff graduated from UC Davis in 2018 and worked as a Business Managerbefore leaving to focus on being his father’s caregiver as he transitioned into Hospice care during the final weeks of his battle with colorectal cancer. He currently lives in Sacramento with his 2 cats, Bob and Beluga. 

“I first met Big Mike in elementary school. His younger son, Alex, became one of my best friends at Foulks Ranch. Michael would take Alex and several other friends to Lampost Pizza before sleepovers back at their place. 

Following Big Mike’s initial diagnosis, I was privileged to get to know Michael, and my connection with Alex and the Kropp family has only grown since. 

Among several things, the most important thing I’ve learned with BMBL is “A.C.E.” (Alleviate, Educate, Communicate). The most effective way to prevent a disease that is rather preventable is to start the conversation early, and continue those conversations often. 

As board member, I hope to be an effective part of the team and do whatever I can to save and extend lives through early detection for those that otherwise would have ignored their symptoms. It is extremely important to me to advocate for CRC awareness after losing my father to the disease after a 5-year battle. I’ve seen many loved ones lost by friends and family over the years and I want to prevent that from happening to others. You can never get a loved one back, but you can help someone else make sure they don’t have to go through the same. With the growing prevalence of CRC among younger adults, I don’t want myself or those around me to put it off or ignore it.”