June 30 2007 (Los Angeles, CA) - Good Morning America Film Critic Joel Siegel, who battled colon cancer for 10 years, was always willing to lend his valuable time for our efforts -- he was inevitably the first one to say yes when we asked for help. Joel died yesterday at age 63, and we mourn his loss; our hearts go out to his wife Ena, son Dylan, and all of his family, colleagues and friends.

Regardless of how he was feeling, Joel did whatever we asked of him, never losing the quick-witted humor that was a hallmark of his Emmy-award-winning work as a television film critic. A recent appearance on a Larry King Live broadcast about colon cancer was a case in point. During a discussion of political figures who are contending with recurrences of cancer, Joel was asked about his own diagnosis in this way: “Are you on any kind of a danger list?” Before answering the question about his health candidly, Joel poked fun at the “synergy” between his network and its parent company: “Yes,” he replied, “this Friday I’m going to give a Disney movie a bad review on ABC.”

In his work with us, Joel always underscored the importance of getting screened at 50 and knowing your family’s medical history. He testified on Capitol Hill during March, colon cancer awareness month; did press interviews, and helped raise money for research by attending our fundraising events (like the one last year, where the photo above was taken).

Joel recently wrote this copy for a public service announcement:

I’m Joel Siegel with the 411 on one cancer you can prevent.

If you’re 50 or over, get screened for colon cancer.

If you’re younger, make sure someone you love does.

I’ve been fighting colon cancer for ten years, and it’s no trip to the movies.

We’d like to ask everyone reading this to do what Joel asked here. We can think of no finer tribute to our dear friend.