'Get Your Rear in Gear' 5k Run for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

'Get Your Rear in Gear' 5k Run for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is colorectal cancer awareness and prevention month and what better way is there to support and promote this very important cause than to participate in a fun, family-friendly 5k run on a beautiful Spring day in Asheville. “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5k was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See our updated blog post here!

According to the American Cancer Society, “colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined in the United States.” “There will be an estimated 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed this year. 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 3 people are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening.” Preventative screenings with your primary doctor are the most effective ways to go about detecting this disease.

It’s very likely you already know someone, if not yourself, affected by this horrific and somewhat, common disease, colorectal cancer. Best case scenario is detected early enough for successful treatment and survival. This has been the case for long-time Asheville local, Keith Wells, the owner and driver of Loyal Lifts Transportation. His very own experience with this disease has a happy ending and is why he is so compassionate about helping others in the community become more aware of the importance of early detection.  

Fundraiser with WCMS 

If you’re not excited about a 5k run but want to contribute in some way to this cause with a financial contribution, then we have a suggestion for you. The Western Carolina Medical Society is hosting an annual colorectal cancer fundraiser in the form of a letter, to anyone interested in being informed, explaining Keith’s very own experience with early detection and how it has transformed his life and his career. 

In 2019, the WCMS Foundation adopted the WNC Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (WNC-CRCSI) program in hopes to strengthen the fight and empower our community through early screening of colorectal cancer. Founded by Dr. Mike Newcomer of Digestive Health Partners, this initiative was created to raise money in support of the program and promote community awareness of the great work Dr. Newcomer and his team are doing.