So what are you supposed to do with your newly found fame? Well there are a couple of ways you can take your 15 minutes. I'll give you my example, and then you can choose your own.
So, Colon Club "Colondar" models are rare. There's only a dozen or so of us each year (do the math). I believe that we are the ambassadors to the colon cancer world. We should be the beacon of light in a world where there is struggle (pretty intense huh?). I remember it came down to me and one other finalist for the spokesmodel contest. She couldn't handle the pressure and vomited on the announcer. I'll be honest, I was nervous too. I ripped a few ripe ones on stage as well. In the end, my answer was better, I got to wear the tiara (mine had a tack to stick into my skull as I have no hair), and my world tour began. First, there's the book signing, then the car, then the tour of the Prilosec factory (my favorite). It's brutal, especially in heels (I tend to swell monthly or when having too much salt). The year's supply of Quilted Northern is a perk. But it's what you do when you're the face, or in this case, ass of the colon cancer world. You need to be at the events (ringing the stock exchange bell with Colon Cancer Alliance; Call-on-Congress with Fight CRC; 5k's with Get Your Rear in Gear; Celebrity Auction with Chris4Life; Dialogue for Action with Prevent Cancer; Dr. Radio appearances; and the Central Park 4-miler with Colon Cancer Challenge).
I sign my Colondar year, other Colondar years, take pictures with people and their pets, speak from the heart (and not always my brain), and find myself crying more than I could possibly have ever imagined. People want you to be there. They want to feel the positive vibe that runs inside of every survivor, just yearning to get out (like a bowl of chili with sauerkraut). You don't leave the house without makeup on and you always have a Sharpie, blue if possible but black is always in style. Another thing to remember, try not to go stag. If possible, have another Colondar model with you, especially one of another gender, race or ethnicity. Variety is good when hanging with an audience. Different people will relate/respond to different models. While I may speak the international language, I can't pass for a Hispanic woman (I've tried). Also, bring an extra colon, maybe a 40-footer. This way, you don't have to take out your own and show off. Try to be as accommodating as possible. Hospitals will want you to be at their survivor's day and colon cancer awareness events. Everyone will want to be your Facebook friend. Patients will want you to have your body parts removed, instead of them. Go for it! Take it for the team.
But in all seriousness, I take my role as a Colondar model, and now a Colon Club Board Member, very seriously. A ton of work goes into something that has such impact... unlike anything else I know (besides a bagful of cash or a bowl of GrapeNuts). When that patient first gets diagnosed with colon cancer, or any cancer, and sees that there a dozen people this year, and dozens more previously, who have not only survived, but thrived, it makes them feel that they can be one as well. I support the Colon Club with my soul and my wallet. Mr. January 2012 is AliveAndKickn. How about you?