Press Releases

September 24, 2008

Undy 5000, a "Brief" Run/Walk for Colorectal Cancer

5K Run/Walk Participants to Raise Colon Cancer Awareness

WASHINGTON, DC - The Colon Cancer Alliance's (CCA) Undy 5000 inaugural event is coming to Philadelphia on Saturday, September 27, 2008.  The Undy 5000 will also take place in Dallas on November 1 and in Phoenix on November 15, 2008.  This "brief" 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) run/walk is designed to raise awareness and funds for the fight against colorectal cancer. Because runners and walkers will be wearing anything from their favorite running shorts to their wildest pair of boxers, this event is sure to get people talking.

"Every year, colorectal cancer kills as many Americans as breast cancer and AIDS combined, yet most people don't know that screening can reduce their risk by 80% or more," said Tim Turnham, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "If getting a bunch of folks to walk through Philadelphia in their boxers is what it takes to get everyone screened, then that is what we'll do."

All Undy 5000 participants will receive a commemorative pair of boxers. Throughout the events, participants and their guests will be treated to a variety of personalized flags emblazoned with the colon cancer "Blue Star" will be planted in the venue's "Honor Flag Garden," providing individuals the opportunity to honor a survivor or memorialize a loved one.

This important but fun event will be held in different cities across the country throughout the year to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings, and get people talking about this deadly, but preventable disease. The Undy 5000 will raise much needed funds to support and build CCA's innovative screening and awareness programs.

Facts about colorectal cancer:

• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, second only to smoking related lung cancer
• Each year, more than 150,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• As many die each year from colon cancer as breast cancer and AIDS combined
• One out of 18 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime
• Over 75% of people with colon cancer have no family history
• People who are diagnosed in the earliest stages of the disease have a 90 percent chance of being cured, yet only a small percentage are staged early due to a lack or screening or awareness
• Colon cancer strikes men and women equally and people of all ages and races
• The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom at all

To register or to learn more about the Undy 5000 and colon cancer, visit www.ccalliance.org, or contact Fran Campion Watson at (202) 434-8993.

###

About the Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. We will increase rates of screening and survivorship by providing patient support, education, research and advocacy.

Today, CCA has over 37,000 members. Our help line receives an average of 700 calls monthly, and our support networks have assisted over 150,000 people. The growth and success of the organization is due in large part to caring volunteers who devote considerable time, skill and energy to achieving CCA's vision. Join us in our determination prevent and increase awareness of colorectal cancer. To learn more about CCA, visit the CCA website: www.ccalliance.org.

Return to Press Releases