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Get Your Rear in Gear wants to challenge you this Sunday to dress up your table with some healthier options and to move your booty more than Madonna.   No, it won’t take a lot of work and we promise it won’t stop you from having fun.  Grab a piece of paper right now or hit “print” on this page or if you have a fancy phone and feel green – keep this link and share it!

The Super Cancer Fighting Bowl Game is all about the highest score board!

Load up the table with one or two of these super cancer fighting foods:
1.    Tomatoes =(2)  or pick lean ground turkey over ground hamburger with onion and lettuce =( 7) Use a whole-wheat/whole grain bun = (3)

2.    Watermelon =(3)

3.    Cabbage/Carrot Slaw = (3)-  1 T vinegar, 1 T reduced mayo , 1 cup of shredded cabbage/carrots

4.    Finger snacks: Peppers, dried apricots, sunflower seeds or nuts = (7)

5.    Blueberries and strawberries = (3)

6.    Pasta/Bean/Broccoli Salad =  3/4 cup whole wheat pasta, about 162 calories 1/4 cup drained kidney beans, about 51 calories 2/3 cup of broccoli, about 33 calories.  For taste,  1 tablespoon of reduced calorie Italian salad dressing, about 56 calories.  A better and healthier dressing option with Omega 3 may have more calories, but better than artificial sweeteners used in low calorie dressing is –balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard and a little garlic. (10)

7.    Choose fresh salsa over store bought sour cream dip = (3)

8.    Raw Veggie & Hummus Dip = 1&1/2 cups of garbanzo beans, 3 tsp minced garlic, 3 tbs low-fat plain yogurt, ¼ tsp salt, 4 tbs lemon juice, ¼ tahini paste, 1tbs chopped parsley, 4 green onions, 3 tbs of dices red bell pepper and pepper to taste = (10)

9.    Share a healthy recipe with us today or tomorrow = (21)
Move your booty more than Madonna!

1.    Dance for 30 minutes Friday night or Saturday night = (7); do it for 60 minutes = (14); do it both nights, double the points!

2.    Dance the entire time Madonna is playing instead of watching her and filing a complaint = (21)

3.    Run or do a brisk walk for 30 minutes on Friday, Saturday or Sunday = (7); do it for 60 minutes = (14); do it every day, triple the points!

4.    Are you running/walking/volunteering/biking  for a cause this weekend? Give yourself (21)

5.    Help in the kitchen = (7); Cook a healthy dish = (7); Clean = (14)

6.    Play a game of football with your friends and family prior to the game = (21)

7.    Sit on the couch or easy chair the entire game only to get up for fat food and beer (-75)

Okay now, wasn’t this challenge easy?  I’m in! Are you in for this game?  Share your recipes!  Say, “I’m in today!”  Tell us your score on Monday! Share this Super Cancer Fighting Bowl now !

Kristin Tabor, Get Your Rear in Gear founder, circa 1985

Booty Ball
A Colon Cancer Coalition Dance Event
1. To swing the hips and buttocks with friends and family while having a thoroughly good time.
2. To raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer education and screening advancement in the community.

Put on some good music, invite the public and raise funds for Get Your Rear in Gear.  And, just exactly what do you call it? Quite simply, it is the “eye-brow raising event “called the Booty Ball

Have we gone too far with a name like “Booty Ball” for an official Colon Cancer Coalition event?  We say “no!”  We were told by some people, we couldn’t call our race “Get Your Rear in Gear” – as it might offend someone.  That was back in 2004. We are glad we didn’t listen.

If the name gets people talking about colorectal cancer, then shock value is golden to the tongue. Both the Booty Ball and Get Your Rear in Gear events promote people being active v. sedentary.  And, both raise eye-brows and funds for colorectal cancer education and screening advancement.

FLASHBACK!

This Thursday, January 26, the Twin Cities will be hosting its 3rd Booty Ball.  With Brat Pack Radio as one of the most popular Twin Cities bands playing and Jonathan Yuhas from KSTP hosting, the evening offers a load of laughing and fun.  Kick off the Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear event in May by shaking the booty with some of your team members or friends.

Rock Out to the Music of the 80s performed by Brat Pack Radio

Want to join the fun? The Booty Ball – an 80′s Party – is Thursday, January 26, at Bogart’s in Apple Valley, dinner starts at 6 p.m. Come relive the 1980′s, because if you graduated in the 1980’s, chances are you are past due for a colonoscopy or you will be due in less than seven years.

Can’t make it? Want to donate? Share your 80’s photo?
Join the fun off the dance floor!  Send your donation or photo to Amy Johnson via mymaratona@gmail.com until January 26th.

Need ideas for your 80s outfit? Check out some vintage 80s photos now!

In December 2005 my mom was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. I can remember the day as if it was yesterday. My mom called to let me know that she was going to get her test results back later on that day. About five hours passed and I decided to call her on my way home from a Christmas party. Then it happened, the worst word you could ever hear came across the line. It’s CANCER! At that moment I didn’t know what to do but to throw my phone on the floor. My husband, then boyfriend, said to me “don’t let her feel that you’re upset.” I called back. She guaranteed me that everything would be okay, just as a mother would. She was determined to beat it.

In a game against Arizona

At the beginning of January she was scheduled for her first surgery to remove her tumor. That was supposed to be the end of her cancer. She was nervous but also secure in that her faith would carry her through this surgery. For this was her first surgery ever at age 65. She went through surgery just fine and afterwards she was up walking pushing the limits determined to get out of the hospital as fast as she could. That’s when I noticed her tenacity, strength, and determination. From that point on she exercised to stay cancer free and she was determined not to let the return of cancer get her down. She fought every single day for the rest of her life fighting cancer.

Andrea in action with her GYRIG stickers

In 2008, my dad, mom, nephew, my husband, and I went to the track to walk. That’s when I noticed her body was starting to deteriorate. She was only able to walk one lap at a slow pace. Now mind you, my mom could lap me while she was walking and I was running. This was sad to me but also heroic to me as well. Even though her body was failing she still wanted to exercise. With pneumonia taking her down and doctors saying it was time for hospice my mom still fought on. She gave the ultimate best Christmas Church Service ever as if the cancer disappeared for a day. She hadn’t played the piano since she began chemotherapy. She played on that day and night before as if she knew deep down inside that would be her last time. Through all of this she gave me the determination to never give up, never succumb to anything when you have something to live for because you never know when your fight might lead you to an eternity of happiness.

Winning the World Gold Medal

When my mom passed in 2009 I began the fight for awareness of colon cancer and the determination to become healthy and fit. That is when I found the Get Your Rear in Gear website. I wanted to do something for them but my money and time wouldn’t allow me to give as I would like. I decided to train again for the USA women’s wheelchair basketball team which I hadn’t competed with since 2006. I dedicated my three year term to my mom. Everything on my chair represents GYRIG. My tires are blue, my casters are blue (when I can find them) and of course a sticker or two of Get Your Rear in Gear. My mom was all about exercise at 4:30am and now I am the same way, 4:30am wake up to train. This year will mark my 3rd year with the USA team which will close out my career and hopefully lead to more people being aware of colon cancer and the organization that represents it. Even though I will not be able to wear my stickers on my chair, the blue tires and hopefully blue casters will be represented as my symbol to GYRIG. Until then my chair is dedicated to all of those who have survived, passed away, and for loved ones of those with colon cancer. Three years in and going strong, GYRIG!

When Get Your Rear in Gear looked to young artists to design the 2012 kid’s shirt, we feel like we indulged  in a box of chocolates.  There was tremendous enthusiasm from our young artists and our staff.  Our finalist’s designs were put to vote on Facebook.  And, the winner you selected was “Denzel!”  We wanted to share a little more about all of the talented artists and award them the honor of our featured “Warriors” today.

Denzel

Denzel, age eight, has participated in the Northeast, Iowa Get Your Rear in Gear event in Waukon the last two years.  His mom shared with us that their family has been affected by colon cancer, because of a friend, so they volunteer their time helping to organize the race. Denzel thinks the race is fun and important to many people.

Get Your Rear in Gear 2012 shirt design winner!

Quinn

Quinn’s folks decided to film Quinn at work.  We were so tempted to share this video sooner, but we thought it might be an unfair advantage as it is without doubt our organization’s favorite cheer.  Quinn is six years old and his folks said, “when we talked about this contest, Quinny said he was going to draw a picture of the race, because ‘the person who wins the race gets to save people from cancer.’ He did the picture several times until he was satisfied that it was good enough.  He also did another picture of a kid and a punching bag.  The kid was “beating up” cancer.  But he liked this one better.“

Quinn, age 6, final contestant

Mayan

Our youngest artist award goes to Mayan.  She is three years old and put her hands to wonderful use to design an awesome picture.  Mayan’s mom, Danielle Goforth, shared Mayan’s own words: “My grandma has stage IV colon cancer. She was diagnosed four years ago, before I was born. We play and laugh every day to make wonderful memories.”  We at Get Your Rear in Gear know that Mayan’s grandmother is deeply touched as we were very moved by Mayan’s words.

Alexandra

Alexandra is eleven years old.  Our communication director’s husband is her cousin.  We were inspired by her message and definition of a rear.  R=Reach Out!  E=Exercising!  A=Aspire! R=Respect others!  We couldn’t agree more Alexandra.  We might need to make this our official cheer of the rear!  We also enjoyed the baseball bat!  We’d like to take a swing at colon cancer too!  You definitely get the importance of moving to help prevent cancer.

Alexandra, age 11, final contestant

Olivia

Olivia was our oldest contestant at the ripe age of twelve years old.  Our Get Your Rear in Gear staff loved the running path and the “Gumby” runner GYRIG style.   Her father Langdon shared with us that “artist was contacted by a family friend, because they have a friend who is involved with the Get Your Rear in Gear cause.”  We thank you Olivia and your family friend for putting a wonderful design together for the contest.

Olivia, age 12, final contestant

Gumby, age 60, designed by Art Clokey

Langdon

Talk about talent within a family!  Langdon is Olivia’s younger brother.  At age ten, we think he could be hired by Cartoon Network.  Take a look at the definition effort on the ears, eyes and the cloud coming out from the rear to show effort and running. WOW!.  One of the comments in Facebook says it all about Langdon, “Love this design by Langdon.  Langdon is not only a great friend, he is an awesome artist.”

Langdon, age 10, final contestant

Kellen

When my niece, Becky Lindquist, submitted  Kellen’s drawing.  A ton of emotion came over me.  Kellen, age 5, is a cancer survivor.  At six months old, Kellen was diagnosed with a rare cancer.  The “beetle” fought hard at a young age for his life.  Those that meet this little guy would never know his battle as he has always had so much life and creativity in his words.  What made our staff and this writer’s day was to have Becky tell us that the submission of artwork came at a great time…Kellen’s doctor declared the words all survivors long to hear, “no evidence of disease.”

Kellen, age 5, final contestant and cancer survivor

We thank you young artists!  You made December so very wonderful for so many people.  We are deeply moved by your talent and work for colorectal cancer awareness.  Expect to see all your artwork displayed in 2012.

A few highlights in 2011 include:

• Growing to 35 race events,  from 23 in 2010  and held over 40 total events
• Welcoming Chattanooga, TN, Fort Myers, FL, Winston-Salem, NC, Baton Rouge, LA, Oxford, CT, Wichita, KS, Kansas City, MO, Phenix City, AL, Muscatine, IA, Saratoga, NY, Lake St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Seattle, WA, Boston, MA, Irvine, CA
• Registering over 24,000 true participants with upwards of 30,000 people partaking in the events, including over 400 survivors and thousands of volunteers

Like all organizations, we recognize that who we are today is different than in our beginning.  We are focused on continuing to grow our events to serve our nation’s top two priorities for colorectal cancer – screening and education.  We intend to continue to communicate to our constituents, government and media in a manner that represents optimism.  Our updated mission statement is “to empower local communities to promote prevention and early detection of colon cancer and to provide support to those affected.”

Please enjoy the video created by Liz Lantz, volunteer and niece of Susie Lindquist Mjelde. Thank you for a great year!  “You” made it happen.

Sincerely,

Kristin Lindquist Tabor

President & Founder

Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia co-chair/caregiver

Betty Jo Snow as a nurse

I was just a little girl when my mom got sick.  In that day and age, if people spoke of “the ‘c’ word” at all, it was in hushed whispers.  I didn’t realize how sick she was, or have any sense that I might grow up without her.  When I was 9 years old, mom lost her fight with colon cancer.  She was way too young to die.  She left us before she reached her 40th birthday, leaving behind a devastated husband and three children ranging in age from 9 to 17.  It left a hole in all of our hearts, and was the defining event of my young life.

As a young adult, I began to experience some digestive issues of my own, and was ultimately diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which I learned puts me at a greater risk for developing colon cancer.  I learned that my brother Tony also had colitis – but his symptoms were much worse than mine.  He and I spoke often of the risk that tied us together, and our own deep the fears that cancer could one day catch us, as it had our mother.

The Snow Family in early 70's

Tony did everything he was supposed to do to prevent colon cancer.  He had annual colonoscopies, took medication for his colitis, exercised regularly and ate a healthy diet.  What did he do right? Everything!

In 2005, at the age of 50, while he was working for Fox News cancer found him.   During his annual screening that year, the mass was discovered, and it was already Stage III – an unusually aggressive tumor in the world of colon cancer.  The entire family was again devastated, and the news stirred up all of the emotions around losing our mother at a young age, and fear that we would lose Tony, too.  Tony assured us that he had fantastic doctors (he did), and that he would do everything in his power fight and beat the disease.

Initially, Tony seemed to respond well to the treatment.  Post-surgery he regained weight, and seemed strong and healthy.  We all collectively breathed a sigh of relief, and allowed ourselves to feel cautiously optimistic about his chances.  We all believed, or at least wanted to believe, that he would be the one to beat it.

Tony Snow smiles as he is introduced by President Bush as his new Press Secretary on April 26, 2006. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

About a year after his initial diagnosis and treatment, Tony was contacted by the White House and asked if he would consider serving as Press Secretary – the job of his dreams.  He knew that taking the job would be a risk – it would pay significantly less than his television job, and there were no guarantees about his future health.  After much consideration, and with the blessings of his family, he took the job, and was never happier.

Another year later, Tony discovered that the cancer was back.   Ultimately, he had to decide to leave the White House.  Tony had remained optimistic about his chances beating cancer to the bitter end.  His positive attitude and strong faith in the face of the disease was and is an inspiration to me and many others.

Jay McConville (Alexandria GYRIG chair), Tony Snow, and Jenny Snow Ashbrook (Tony's sister and Philly GYRIG co-chair)

When Tony was first diagnosed, I wanted to do something to show him my support.  At the time, I had just gotten involved in endurance sports, participating in a few small triathlons and running events.  I decided that I would raise money during the summer of 2006 for colon cancer research in Tony’s honor.  That summer, I participated in the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon and the Nation’s Triathlon in Washington DC, and raised over $15,000 for colon cancer research in the process.  Tony’s good friend, and Get Your Rear in Gear Alexandria event director, Jay McConville joined me in racing at the Nation’s Triathlon.

While I was thrilled with the amount of money I was able to raise, I thought there might be a better, more sustainable way to help fund colon cancer programs serving local communities.   I became involved with co-chairing Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia in 2009.  My hope was that Tony would be joining us to run or walk in the inaugural Philadelphia event – but instead, we ended up naming the Kid’s Fun run in his memory.  Colon cancer had claimed another member of my family.

The Tony Snow family

Tony was a man who loved his family, as our own mother loved us.  His wife and three children were his world, and his loss looms large for them.  Having lost my own mother at a young age, I understand the impact of losing a parent more than most.  Supporting families who are caring for or have lost loved ones to this disease has become a strong interest of mine.

I am looking forward to continuing to work with Get Your Rear in Gear to honor the memories of Tony and my mother Betty Jo in a way I think would make them both happy – by taking care of other families and caregivers that are so strongly affected when their loved ones are diagnosed with this disease.

Fortunately, our partner, Fight Colorectal Cancer, along with Genomic Health came together to design a mobile app that assists colon cancer patients with a personalized treatment, diagnosis, and links to external sources. The app is titled My Colon Cancer Coach, and is free to download to iPhones and Android smartphones. However, if you don’t own those mobile devices, no worries! You can go to My Colon Cancer Coach website to access same functions.

So, what does the app do?

The app is essentially a digital version of a diary with extra resources. Once you agree to terms and conditions of the app, you’ll have a list of options to choose from depending on what you want to do: Learn about your treatment, record questions to ask your doctor, journal, glossary, and external links.

Learn about your treatment

The essence of the application is My Colon Cancer Coach, Coach for short, which helps you understand colon cancer no matter what stage it is at. In this section you’ll be prompted to answer a few questions about your type of cancer. For this you’ll need to know,

- The stage of your cancer

- Your tumor’s MMR/MSI status (stage II)

- Whether or not your tumor contains a mutated KRAS gene (stage IV)

- Whether or not your cancer has metastasized (spread to areas beyond your colon)

Once you complete the questionnaire, a report will be generated with treatment options that are appropriate for you. At this point you have an option of emailing the report, reviewing your treatment summary, and learning details of the report; which involves a detailed description of certain terms and procedures.

Record questions for your doctor

Avoid forgetting addressing your concerns. This is a nice tool to keep track of questions you may have for your doctor, along with a list of suggested questions to ask.

With this function you can either type the questions you have or voice record them. The same can be done with the answers. For example, you can record your doctor’s response to your question, and review it to make sure you don’t miss essential information.

Journal

This function is designed to help you keep track of doctor appointments, personal notes, and take photos if needed. Journal entries are automatically dated and timed, all you have to do is title the entry and write up your notes or voice record.

Glossary

Alphabetical access to definitions of cancer terminology right at your fingertips.

Resources

Credits, list of organizations, and external links.

Get Your Rear in Gear hopes that this will help you decide whether this app can be of benefit to you. As always, we want to provide you with as many helpful tools and information to help prevent and treat colon cancer. For more information, you can visit our website.

Maria dancing with her dad

I will never forget the day…. It was a sunny day in March 2005 and I was in St. Louis, MO traveling on business when my Mom called.  She said Dad was not feeling well and they visited the Doctor earlier that morning.  “They found a mass” Mom said, “But don’t worry, everything is going to be okay”. I could hear the worry in Mom’s voice even though she did her very best to disguise it. See, my Mom’s father, my grandfather, died of colon cancer years before.

Then it happened, my very worst fear came true. 10 months later, at the young age of 67 my father, my mentor, my hero, my soccer coach, my life coach, lost his battle to this dreaded disease. I could not believe it! My Dad was the strongest man I ever met….how could this disease beat him? My Dad was so very smart…. how could he have missed the symptoms?

Devastated, my family was simply devastated. I was so upset, so angry and for the first time, I doubted my faith. That was in February 2006. I had to do something. I had to channel this anger and emotion. Dad would not want me to feel this way. I had to make a difference and I choose to Get My Rear in Gear.

March 2009 Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia was born. In just three short years, we have raised $425,000 to help fight colon cancer and get the message out about the importance of early detection through screenings.

I think Dad would be proud I got my Rear in Gear!

REGISTER NOW for the 2012 Philadelphia Get Your Rear in Gear

Former Philadelphia Eagle and Sportscaster Ron Jaworski, Event Director Maria Grasso, Mayor Michael Nutter and Philadelphjia Soul Dancers

GRANTS in 2010

Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, Department of Colorectal Surgery and the Kimmel Cancer Center.

Funds for the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital help support leading-edge research in colon cancer and compassionate care in Philadelphia.

JAWS Youth Fund.

This program celebrates health and wellness at any age, in any form.  Sponsored activities at the JAWS Youth Fund include free medical screening and exercise activities for the people of Philadelphia.

In the News

Maria on NBC in Philadelphia

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Final tallies from Boston are still coming in, but it looks as though over 1,300 people participated in the inaugural event, raising over $100,000.

From WickedLocal.com – Halifax Bulletin Board, November 11, 2011

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Race for Colon Cancer

Brian Shelly and Caitlin Gambee at packet pick-up before the Boston Get Your Rear in Gear

The Colon Cancer Coalition announces the inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear 5K race supporting colon cancer in Massachusetts. Sister duo, Caitlin and Maggie Gambee both in their 20s initiated the event in honor of their father who passed away from the disease at the age of 41.

In its first year, the event has already broken fundraising expectations raising over $54,000 for the cause and currently registering over 600 participants.

The Gambee sisters along with event co-chair Brian Shelly aim to spread the message of early detection through the ‘Boston, Get Your Rear in Gear 5K’ to be held at South Boston’s Castle Island Saturday, Nov. 12. Proceeds from the event will go to support local awareness, screening, healthy living programs.

“I am proud to be involved with the Get Your Rear in Gear Events,” Shelly said. “As the number two cancer killer, Boston should not go one year longer without creating an event that helps those battling colon cancer and offers them a network of support.” Shelly’s involvement stems from his brother in law’s diagnosis at age 35, which is now in remission.

Also on board for the race is colon cancer survivor and star of ABC’s Boston Med, Tom Alden whose story went live on air last year broadcasting to the nation everything from his diagnosis to his incredible recovery. From that point on, Alden has been active within the coalition as an advocate for prevention.

Funds raised at Get Your Rear in Gear events across the country stay in the local communities to further awareness of the disease and bring screening opportunities to those who are under-insured or uninsured. The money is distributed through grants from the Colon Cancer Coalition, the business arm of Get Your Rear in Gear.

To learn more about the race, visit www.getyourrearingear.com/events/list/2011/boston-ma or to read the event blog visit bostongyrig.tumblr.com.

Browse the selection of athletic/running gear, head wear, and sweatshirts below and then jump over to our retail sponsor, St. Croix Screenprinting, to place your order.

Merchandise will be shipped directly to you within 4-6 weeks.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from St. Croix Screenprinting, Get Your Rear in Gear will receive a minimum of 18% of each item purchased to further our mission of education and screening for colon cancer.

Anyone else think these would make great Holiday Gifts? Place your order by December 4 to be sure you receive your items by the holiday.

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Visor

Running Hat

Women's Vest

Men's Vest

Running Jacket

Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

Women's 1/2 Zip Pull Over

Men's 1/2 Zip Pull Over

Hooded Sweatshirt

Cotton T-shirt