We started the Community Undy Run/Walk program to empower volunteers to bring the Undy to hometowns across the country. As locally-planned events, Community Undys can be a walk in the park, a jog around a track, a walk through a college campus – whatever date and location work for you, we’re behind you all the way.
We provide the online platform for participants to register for your event and once they do, some fun merch and perks comes along with it, like our signature Undy Run/Walk boxer shorts! (Don’t worry – each registrant gets a pair.) Colon cancer survivors receive a special survivor t-shirt, and all volunteers are given an “Undy Crew” tee. We also provide an array of fundraising tools, as well as a fundraising page to collect donations and post details about the event. The Undy Run/Walk raises money for the Colon Cancer Alliance’s lifesaving prevention, research and patient support services. Get your Community Undy questions answered by Tanya Osborne and Stephanie Gibbs, two stellar volunteers who are working on Community Undys in their neighborhoods.
Tanya Osborne - Colon Conscious Crusaders Community Undy
August 16th – Oakland, CA
Tanya Osborne (left) and her mother, who she honored at her recent Undy Community Event.[/caption]
What is your connection to colon cancer?
My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer on July 10, 2013 and she passed away on July 24, 2013 at the age of 65.
How have you been involved in spreading awareness?
I created personal online fundraising pages for Dress in Blue Day, the Undy Run/Walk and Blue Star Tributes. I also added a link to my personal email signature block to help spread the word and raise awareness and funds to honor the memory of my mom.
Why did you want to get involved?
I wanted to participate in the Undy Run/Walk, but there was not an event close to my area. So, I decided to start an Undy Community Event of my own in hopes of getting others to join me in spreading the word across town in the fight against colon cancer.
Do you have any advice for people looking to start their own fundraising/awareness event?
I just got out there and used every avenue and platform available to me to get the word out about my event – social media, emails, text messaging and flyers. I got people from my community to support my efforts by sharing how my mom was affected by colon cancer and how badly I want to help bring awareness to others about this disease.
What do you want people to know about colon cancer?
Public awareness about colon cancer does not get the attention it deserves. I didn't know about the Colon Cancer Alliance until I saw an advertisement in my Ebony magazine article. After learning that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in woman combined in the US, it became important to me to bring as much attention to colon cancer as possible and encourage family and friends to get screened.
Learn more about the Colon Conscious Crusaders and show your support through a team donation.
Stephanie Gibbs – No Butts About It Community Undy
August 23rd – Saginaw, MI
What is your connection to colon cancer?
I have a personal connection with colon cancer due to my aunt, Betty Rush, passing from stage IV colon cancer as well as numerous other family members who it has affected.
[caption id="attachment_2195" align="alignright" width="302"]
Stephanie Gibbs is honoring her aunt this weekend at her No Butts About It Undy Community Event.[/caption]
How have you been involved in spreading awareness?
Aside from my upcoming Community Undy, I have been involved in spreading awareness by educating individuals through a Facebook page I started, as well as tirelessly encouraging early screening to all those I encounter.
How did you get connected with the Colon Cancer Alliance/Undy & why did you want to get involved?
After my Aunt Betty passed, I decided to make my health a priority by having a colon cancer screening, changing my diet and becoming a beginner runner. In doing so, I realized there was no Undy Run/Walk in the Mid-Michigan area. So I decided to organize the Saginaw Community Undy as a good way to spread awareness of colon cancer in my local neighborhood as well as hold a fun interactive event in Saginaw, MI.
Do you have any advice for people looking to start their own fundraising/awareness event?
Have patience and understand that this is a process which takes time. Also, to organize an event a person must be passionate about colon cancer awareness and willing to understand that some people may or may not be open to discuss this disease because it is a taboo topic. But, don’t be discouraged! Keep in mind that the purpose of the event is to provide education and awareness about this disease as well as support for individuals suffering from it.
What do you want people to know about colon cancer?
I want people to know colon cancer can affect anyone regardless of demographics. Also, I would like people to recognize the signs and symptoms that can lead to early detection – when colon cancer is most treatable and beatable.
Learn more about No Butts About It, join their team or make a donation.
Interested in the Undy Run/Walk? Check out our website to find an event near you or contact undy@ccalliance.org or (202) 628-0123 for more information about starting a Community Undy. And don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have questions or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help!