I haven’t done much on this blog lately because I’ve been busy helping my sister start our own Undy5000 team to participate in the October 30th Race/Walk in Dallas to honor our father, Les Chisum. Daddy was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago and was told that he had months to live. Today, the disease has progressed, but he is still the vibrant, funny, loving man he has always been.
Do you know someone affected by colon and related cancers? According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer accounts for the second highest mortality rate each year. We talk about breast cancer; we have fundraisers and celebrations, websites and blogs. Celebrities come out and share their story to help others struggling with their prognosis. But what about the (pardon the pun) other end of the discussion? When Katie Couric underwent a colonoscopy live on television following the tragic death of her husband to the disease, the entire ordeal was treated with derision. If we can remind each other to do self breast exams, proudly wear “Save the Tatas” shirts, and clothe ourselves in pink to honor, remember, and inform, why are we so reluctant to talk about colon cancer?
I challenge each and every one of you to get involved. Do it for your children. Do it for your parents, friends, and family. Do it for yourself. Talk to your doctor about your risk for colon cancer. Set aside modesty and take care of your colon health by being open and informed. Remind your family and friends to assess their risk, schedule a colonoscopy, and join the fight! The odds are you will be affected by colon cancer in your lifetime. Be prepared.
There are a million ways you can get involved.
First, spread the word! Use humor, be cheeky (ahem), and place your health before your modesty. We remind each other to take care of the T, why not the A?
Second, donate! The Colon Cancer Alliance does great work to finance research including efforts to develop a vaccine. With their help, it is possible that my nieces and nephews will never have to worry that they will suffer as their grandfather has. Donate on the CCA’s website . Make your donation count even more by checking with your employer to see if they will match your contribution. Some teams link your donation to raffles for great prizes. (hint: we do!)
Third: Join the team! Undy5000 2K walks are happening all over the country. If there is not one in your area, work with the CCA to set one up. We have committed to staying involved until there is a cure. Since I no longer live in the DFW area where this particular race is taking place, I am a member of a virtual team that is concentrating their fundraising work online.
Come see what it is all about! Check out my family’s team on Facebook at Undy5000-Chisum Crew. For every $5 you donate via our team, you receive one entry into our monthly and grand prize raffles. We have over 30 sponsored prizes to give away, including an iPad and a TRIA home laser system. All nonwinning tickets roll over to the next drawing so you have an increased chance of winning. If you would like to enter, go to our Facebook page, link to our team page via CCA, or contact us via email. Online you can use a credit card, but checks and cash can be handled so long as a brief form is completed.
In brief:
Our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Undy5000-Chisum-Crew/120295304655845
Our team page on CCA: http://support.ccalliance.org/goto/ChisumsCrew
Our email: ChisumCrew@live.com
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