Press Releases

October 11, 2010

Columbus Residents Help Bring Greater Awareness to Colon Cancer During First Annual Undy 5000 5K Run

Columbus, OH (October 11, 2010) – The 1st Annual Columbus Undy 5000 5K run was held on Sunday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at the track at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, OH.  Almost 300 residents participated in the event to help bring greater awareness to colon cancer, the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The Undy 5000 was hosted by the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), a national patient advocacy organization, and the Peggy Bock Memorial Race for Hope

“We were thrilled to partner with the Peggy Bock Memorial Race for Hope for the first annual Columbus Undy 5000,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA). “This year, Columbus residents helped us raise $35,000, which will help support and build the CCA’s national and local patient support and innovative public awareness programs.  In addition, local entities including The Wellness Community, The Columbus Cancer Clinic and James Care For Life will reap benefits from this year’s event.”

The Undy 5000 series, created by the CCA and held in cities across the nation, is designed to promote awareness and education about colon cancer. The event stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screening, and provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that 142,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Through recommended screenings, this cancer can be caught early when treatment is most effective — or even prevented altogether when pre-cancerous polyps are detected and removed.

In addition to the run, participants and spectators enjoyed activities including a silent auction and touring the Kiser colon, a giant inflatable walk through colon designed to educate people about the various stages of colon cancer, polyps, healthy colon tissue and more.

Regional sponsors of this event included LabCorp, Panera Bread, Whole Foods Market and The Brew (105.7 FM). National sponsors of this event included Amgen Oncology, ASCRS (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Bristol Myers Squibb, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Genentech, MITA (Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance) and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

More information about the Undy 5000 is available online at www.undy5000.org.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across America.

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