Craig Melvin is using his platform to make a meaningful impact, turning a deeply personal 

loss into a powerful effort to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research. The Today show host recently shared a heartfelt announcement that touched viewers and his colleagues alike, unveiling a new project inspired by his late brother’s battle with the disease.

During a segment on Today, Melvin, seated alongside Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker, revealed 

that he had designed an exclusive collection of socks and sweatshirts to support colorectal cancer research. The initiative, which was clearly close to his heart, was met with admiration from his co-hosts as they celebrated his efforts on-air. He showcased the new “sock and 1/4 zip set” both during the broadcast and on Instagram, encouraging fans to take part in the cause.

On social media, Melvin kicked off his announcement with excitement, writing, “Big announcement” alongside a blue heart emoji. He explained that his involvement in fundraising for colorectal cancer awareness was deeply personal, as it was inspired by his late brother, Lawrence. “Last year, I was inspired to design and create a Today tie and sock set in honor of my brother, Lawrence, who passed away from colorectal cancer back in 2020,” he shared. “This year, I went the sportier route.”

He urged his followers to support the initiative, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about early screening and prevention. “With your help, we can raise greater awareness about the importance of preventive screening,” he wrote. He also directed fans to a link where they could purchase the exclusive collection, adding that the items were also available in person at The Shop at NBC Studios. In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, NBCUniversal also pledged to make a donation in support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, further amplifying the impact of his campaign.

For Melvin, this initiative is much more than just a fundraiser—it is a mission to save lives and ensure that others do not experience the same devastating loss that his family endured. His brother, Lawrence, was just 39 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis that came after he had experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. The tragedy of losing his sibling at such a young age fueled Melvin’s determination to advocate for greater awareness and prevention.

In a past interview with HELLO!, Melvin opened up about how his brother’s battle with the disease transformed his perspective and drove him to action. “Before my brother died, I became very involved in the Colorectal Cancer Alliance,” he shared. “It was very important to my wife, Lindsay, and me to not only honor my brother’s memory but to do something that could save lives and prevent other people from going through what he did.”

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of his brother’s passing, he explained, was the fact that colorectal cancer is highly preventable with early detection. “This type of cancer is 100% preventable,” he emphasized. “That’s what makes losing my brother even more difficult to accept. If more people knew the signs and got screened, so many lives could be saved.”

Melvin has also spoken out about the lack of awareness and funding dedicated to colorectal cancer compared to other forms of cancer. He noted that because the disease is associated with parts of the body that people may feel uncomfortable discussing, it often does not receive the same level of attention or resources. “Unfortunately, this type of cancer does not get the kind of attention—and consequently, the resources—that other cancers do,” he said. “We are trying to change that.”

One of his primary goals is to help destigmatize conversations around colorectal health and encourage open discussions about symptoms and prevention. “Nobody wants to talk about their colon or their rectums or blood in their stool,” he admitted. “But slowly, this is shifting. The more we talk about it, the more lives we can save.”

Melvin has consistently used his platform to advocate for increased screenings, particularly for those who may be at higher risk due to family history. He has reiterated the importance of getting regular colonoscopies beginning at age 45, or even earlier for those with a family history of the disease. “This is a cancer that can be stopped before it starts,” he emphasized, urging people to take control of their health and get screened.

Through his work with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, as well as initiatives like his Today collection, Melvin continues to honor his brother’s memory in a way that is both meaningful and impactful. By turning his grief into action, he is helping to change the narrative around colorectal cancer, pushing for greater awareness, earlier detection, and ultimately, more lives saved. His latest project is not just a fundraiser—it’s a statement of love, resilience, and hope for a future where fewer families have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable disease.

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