DetecTogether Announces Leadership Transition

Founder Jim Coghlin, Sr., Steps into Honorary Role, Patrick McCarty Named New Chairman

Westborough, MA, October 17, 2024 – DetecTogether, the nonprofit organization committed to empowering people to save their own lives through early cancer detection, announces a significant leadership transition. After 15 years of unwavering leadership and dedication, founder Jim Coghlin, Sr., is transitioning from chairman to the role of honorary chairman and continuing as the organization’s chief volunteer and fundraiser. Stepping into this pivotal role is Patrick McCarty, President and CEO of McCarty Companies, who brings an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and a deep passion for DetecTogether’s mission.

DetecTogether stands apart by focusing on teaching people how to detect cancer early—not just through screenings, but by empowering them to notice health changes and take timely action. With over 200 types of cancer and effective screenings available for only five, it is critical for individuals to play an active role in recognizing potential signs of cancer and collaborating with healthcare providers. Currently, 50% of cancers are diagnosed late, but through DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® program, 1 in 4 participants report that they’ve detected a health issue earlier as a result of their training. These life-saving actions enable individuals to take control of their health in ways that are often counter to cultural norms.

Personal stories illustrate the profound impact of the 3 Steps Detect program. Caitlin Whitney found her breast cancer at age 29, years before screenings could have helped her. Thanks to early detection, she is now celebrating 10 years cancer-free. Similarly, two San Francisco firefighters recently detected cancer early through the program. Captain Leonel “Leo” Tingin was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma at age 51, and Captain Julio Delucchi caught pancreatic cancer at 59. Their stories highlight the importance of proactive health monitoring in the fight against cancer.

Reflecting on the organization’s success, Jim Coghlin, Sr., shared, “After 15 amazing years leading this organization, I take great pride in our lasting impact in the fight against cancer by teaching people how to detect it early. Together, our programs are continually saving and improving lives by empowering individuals to recognize health changes and take timely action—knowledge that has proven to be lifesaving. As someone deeply committed to this cause, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see the difference we’ve made. I’m thrilled to introduce Patrick McCarty as our new chairman and am confident that under his leadership, DetecTogether will continue to grow, reaching even more people with this critical, life-saving education.”

Patrick McCarty, who joined DetecTogether’s Board of Directors in 2022, is well-equipped to build on the organization’s success. With a proven track record in nonprofit leadership and his role as President of McCarty Companies, McCarty brings the right combination of expertise, passion, and drive to lead DetecTogether through its next chapter. His commitment to expanding the organization’s life-saving efforts nationwide has been evident since his first day on the board.

“I am honored to step into this role during such a strategically pivotal time,” said McCarty. “The work we do here is not just important—it’s life-saving. I’m fully committed to expanding our reach, ensuring more people have the knowledge and tools to detect cancer early, when it’s most survivable.“

Looking to the future, DetecTogether is focused on building on its achievements. The organization plans to strengthen its program strategy and data collection, enhance messaging, and build capacity to develop a strong public awareness of the individual’s role in early cancer detection. McCarty and the leadership team are motivated to expand these actions nationwide and solidify DetecTogether’s place as an essential resource in health detection and awareness.

Jim Coghlin, Sr., concluded, “With Patrick leading the way, along with our exceptional president Tricia Laursen and our dedicated team, I’m confident DetecTogether’s best days are ahead.”

About DetecTogether

DetecTogether saves lives by teaching people how to recognize the early warning signs of cancer and how to activate healthcare to detect cancer when it’s most survivable. Their 3 Steps Detect program has caused early action among individuals nationwide, significantly improving early detection rates and saving lives.