Press Releases

October 12, 2011

Dallas Undy 5000 is All in the Family

Dallas, TX (October 12, 2011) – The Rider-Williams team is back for the fourth consecutive year as the Undy 5000 returns to Dallas on October 29. Every year, Casey Rider and her family run in memory of her big sister, Kelly, who passed away in 2009 at the young age of 29 from colon cancer. Not only does Casey run, but she is integral to the planning committee, working hard to make every year more successful than the last by obtaining sponsors, distributing literature and promoting the race in creative ways.

Casey’s sister, Kelly, was part of the original team to bring the Undy 5000 – a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to fight colon cancer – to Dallas in 2008. When Kelly was diagnosed in 2006, she was involved with many different activities and events to raise awareness for colon cancer, but the Undy 5000 was her favorite, and she put most of her energy into bringing the race to her home state. Before Kelly passed away, she told Casey there were several things she needed her to take care of: her wedding ring, her Aerosmith tickets, and the Undy 5000. Casey said Kelly expected her to help it grow.

“I didn’t know how much time and energy she put into it until the first race was upon us,” Casey said. “She was a rock star.”

Casey says she feels like she’s making a difference in other peoples’ lives – it’s her therapy and outlet. Casey’s parents, Richard and Joette are also on the committee, and Kelly’s husband Jason Williams is always in charge of the Rider-Williams team.

The 4th Annual Dallas Undy 5000 will be held on Saturday, October 29, at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. It is a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to fight colon cancer, and participants are encouraged to run in their underwear to bring attention to the area affected by the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. All registered participants are given a pair of commemorative Undy 5000 boxers instead of a typical raceday T-shirt. Additionally, to kick off the race and celebrate the creativity and dedication of participants, the CCA is proud to launch the first-ever “Parade of Undies” fashion show in Dallas, sponsored by the makers of Dulcolax® products.

Casey says she is excited to see the turnout for this year’s event, and knows that the Dallas Undy 5000 will continue to be an important event for her family.

“It’s our baby because it was Kelly’s baby.”

Created by the Colon Cancer Alliance in 2008, the Undy 5000 stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screenings, early detection, and provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease. Event proceeds help fund the CCA’s patient support and public awareness programs. Part of the proceeds will also be left behind to help fund colon cancer support services at Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center.

If you would like to learn more about the Undy 5000, please visit www.undy5000.org.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colon cancer. In order to increase screening and survivorship rates, the Colon Cancer Alliance provides education and patient support, furthers research efforts, and conducts advocacy work across the country.

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