Press Releases

July 23, 2011

Jersey Shore Welcomes Back the Undy 5000 to Increase Awareness About Colon Cancer

Participants run in Undies to bring attention to 2nd-leading cause of cancer death

Long Branch, NJ (July 23, 2011) – The Jersey Shore Undy 5000 5K run is returning to the region for the second year in a row on Saturday, July 23 at 8:00 AM at Pier Village in Long Branch, NJ. The Colon Cancer Alliance, a national patient advocacy organization, will host the event to help bring greater awareness to colon cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“The Jersey Shore Undy 5000 is a fun summertime event with a serious message,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “This year alone, almost 142,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer.  The more people we educate regarding the importance of being screened, the more lives we’ll save.  By being screened, more than 80 percent of colon cancer cases can be prevented.”

The Undy 5000 is held in cities nationwide to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings and encourage people to talk about the disease. The event proceeds are used to support and build the CCA’s national and local patient support and public awareness programs. In addition, a portion of the funds raised from the Jersey Shore Undy 5000 will be distributed to the Riverview Medical Center Foundation to fund services for individuals diagnosed with colon cancer.

Instead of race day T-shirts, Undy 5000 participants receive a commemorative pair of Undy 5000 boxer shorts, providing a fun way to bring attention to a serious disease. It is a family oriented event open to all ages. In addition to the 5K, there will be a 1-mile family fun run.

The Undy 5000, created by the Colon Cancer Alliance, stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screenings and provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease.

The maker of Dulcolax®* is the proud sponsor of the 2011 Undy 5000 races. As the #1 doctor recommended stimulant for constipation relief, Dulcolax® reminds everyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer, that a colonoscopy can save lives.

Additional national sponsors include the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Genentech, Amgen and Salix Pharmaceuticals.  Local sponsors include Monmouth Medical Center and the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.

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

# # #

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

Return to Press Releases