The efforts of Wilson’s Warriors were recently highlighted in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. In an article titled “Gaining by Giving“, the team is pictured at this year’s Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk, where they turned out in significant numbers to raise funds and awareness for colon cancer. The article discussed the importance of workplace volunteerism and included an interview with Doug Cole, the founder and CEO of Cole’s Salon, where Jennifer Wilson was a vice president and where many Wilson’s Warriors team members are employed. Cole explained his commitment to his employees’ charitable endeavors. “We have 300 people representing us. The customer is king. We care about them, their causes and these communities.” The salon chain was recently recognized by the Star Tribune as a “Top 100 Workplace” for their training center, which was run by Jennifer.

Wilson's Warriors organizers Jamie Chapman and Theresa Warner

Team members Theresa Warner and Jamie Chapman were also featured in a recent issue of the Farmington Independent for their work organizing the second annual Wilson’s Warriors beer bash which raised additional funds for the Colon Cancer Coalition. As a result of their efforts, Chapman and Warner were named the 2010 Team Ambassadors for the Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Edina, Minnesota.

While the funds raised by the team will go to support colon cancer screening and treatment programs, including the Minnesota Department of Health Sage Scopes Screening Program, the media attention gained by these organizers raises awareness of the disease. This crucial media attention helps to bring key health issues out of the dark and into peoples’ homes. By educating the community, Wilson’s Warriors and the Colon Cancer Coalition hope to increase screening rates in Minnesota and across the country.

Sadly, the team suffered another loss with the recent passing of Ken Kuchera to colon cancer.  Kuchera was the father of Theresa Warner, and longtime Farmington Minnesota Fire Chief.

The Coalition welcomed visitors with our own Get Your Rear in Gear shopping bags, as well as critical information on screening.  Adults were asked to test their knowledge with an intriguing Q&A game provided by our colleagues at the University of Minnesota.  And we got the kids involved with a “Save a Duck” game; choose a duck from the pond with a spot or “polyp” on them, and save their life.

It was a busy morning and we thank everyone who stopped by to talk with us.

The Colon Cancer Coalition at cancer center grand opening

Dr. Scott Goldstein Director Colon & Rectal Surgery and Dr. Edith Mitchell Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, Jenny Ashbrook, Maria Grasso and Shona Bradley.

Tom J. Lewis, President & CEO of Jefferson University Hospital

Proceeds from Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia will support cutting edge research in colorectal cancer and compassionate care at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

The event committee is already working on next year’s event, scheduled for March 21, 2010. The Colon Cancer Coalition welcomes back sponsor Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and media partner NBC 10 for 2010.  Look for more information on the event on Get Your Rear in Gear.com shortly.

Crew of the SS Colon Cancer

To promote colon cancer awareness, the staff and physicians of Regions Hospital Department of Gastroenterology built a boat to compete in this year’s Minneapolis Aquatennial milk carton boat races, held July 19 at Lake Calhoun.  The S.S. Colon Cruiser actually did stay afloat, and won in the first heat of the race.

It took GI staff and other volunteers about a week to build the boat in the lobby of the HealthPartners Specialty Center 435, where patients and employees could monitor its progress. To ensure it would float, the boat required 258 empty milk jugs donated by employees from across the organization. This is the first time the gastroenterology department has participated in the milk carton boat races. We would love to do it again next year and race against other GI departments in the area. What better way to get the message out about screening.

The skipper and rowing crew of the S.S. Colon Cruiser (from left):Chris Shepela, MD; Jami Degnan; Sandeep Bahadur, MD; and Clay Ahrens.

Get Your Rear In Gear 5K promotes colon cancer awareness

CBS News reported last week that an analysis of data released by the American Cancer Society reveals a “large disparity in funding for different types of cancer.”  The report goes on to say that cancers of the cervix and breast receive the most federal funds.  “One reason for the disparity, says the report, is that ” some advocacy groups, like those for breast cancer, are more adept at raising awareness. And with awareness comes cash.”

Raising awareness has been the sole mission of Colon Cancer Coalition president Kristin Tabor.  In 2005, Tabor organized the inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk in Minneapolis, Minnesota which brought out over 1600 supporters.  Since that first event, the Coalition has expanded and now organizes or partners with 17 events across the country.  The Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear 5K set a new record in 2009 with over 5000 participants.  These events not only provide a platform for community involvement, but they have also prompted significant media coverage of colon cancer related issues.  In a recent interview, Tabor talked about the impact that her efforts have had and the continued fight to raise awareness.  “The race is our largest awareness opportunity, however, the work never stops.  How far can we take it?  Within 3-5 years the “Get Your Rear effect” could help save 25,000 to 30,000 lives. I hope that this is the impact the Coalition has.”

To get a compete list of Get Your Rear in Gear events, go the Events page of the Colon Cancer Coalition website.

First up will be the 2nd annual Rochester Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on Saturday, June 26th.  We moved this race from chilly March to the warm – and hopefully sunny – June, in order to coincide with RochesterFest, Rochester’s wonderful 10 day Summer festival.

A month later on July 27th, family and friends of Rick Hayward, who lost his battle to colon cancer this past January, will host the inaugural Tinley Park Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on the grounds of the Beckenhausen Community Center.  Tinley Park is located in the Southeast suburbs of Chicago.

August finds the 2nd annual Colchester Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Vermont on Sunday, August 9th.  The event will again be held in Bayside Park, but will start late morning to accommodate those late risers in the area.

In September we will host two events.  First up is our inaugural Southeast Indiana Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on Saturday, September 12th.  The event will be held in Batesville, Indiana, and will be hosted in part by the Margaret Mary Community Hospital.

On September 20th, we are in Mt. Vernon Ohio for our 2nd annual Central Ohio Get Your Rear in Gear 5K.  The event will once again take place at the Knox County Fairgrounds.  We predict calmer weather with plenty of electricity in this years event.

The 6th Annual Strides for Life – Get Your Rear in Gear 5K will once again be held at Lake Merced outside San Francisco on Sunday, October 4th.  This will be the 3rd year the Coalition will combine efforts with the Strides for Life Foundation.  We are hoping to welcome 1,000 participants to this year’s event.

Wrapping up the season will be the inaugural Alexandria Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on November 14th.  It will be held in Ft. Hunt Park, Mount Vernon, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.  There will also be Elite Mile events held with the 5K, so runners and walkers of all ability should join in the fun.

Please find more information about these events, including how to register, donate or volunteer, at www.getyourrearingear.com

You’ve recently had several successful first time events in Lafayette, Raleigh, Chicago and Philadelphia where numbers topped 1600 registered participants.  The fifth annual Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear broke yet another record with close to 5000 in attendance.  You’ve said before that you were stunned by the number of people who came out to the very first Get Your Rear In Gear race.  Do you continue to be surprised that these events are so well attended?

“I guess the best way to describe my reaction is “awe”.  In this economy, I think people expected race numbers to dwindle.  At the Coalition we had to be cautious and consider the possibility that the recession would affect our race numbers and our ability to raise funds.  But there were two factors at play which we may have underestimated.  First, our race continues to be a priority for the community.  People are not traveling as much and are staying home to support local events. Get Your Rear In Gear is extremely well organized and continues to be a unifying celebration for friends and family.   This event remains at the top of the to-do list for our faithful supporters and continues to attract new participants who are looking to stay local for economical family based activities.  And the second thing that we may have underestimated is that people touched by this disease continue to search desperately for a way to make a difference and honor the people they love.  Team participation at all of the events continues to grow and contribute significantly to the fundraising we accomplish.  In Edina, we had over 120 teams this year!”

What does the success of these events mean for each of these communities?

“Funds raised locally will be invested in programs and awareness campaigns to increase screening rates in the community where the race took place.  With guidance from our national office, 75% of funds stay local to identify the right programs and partners. ”

Are there specific programs which will benefit from the funds raised at the 5Ks?

“Each state or community operates differently in the execution or timing of programs, legislation and health guidelines. Local and national partners in health organizations, corporations and citizens share commonality of our mission – that all citizens have adequate information and access to screening for colorectal cancer. Funds are also invested to continue to promote and organize the Get Your Rear In Gear 5K.  The Get Your Rear In Gear 5K is a platform to not only honor or remember our loved ones, but it is also the platform which brings the critical partners to take action.

With regards to additional programs, we partnered with American Cancer Society to co-sponsor a “Day at the Capital” in St. Paul, Minnesota, and we provide financial support to local programs such as the North Memorial Colorectal Cancer Support Group and to free colonoscopy screening programs.  We also donated funds to Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota to create a culturally specific DVD to help educate the Vietnamese community about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.  These are just a few of the programs that we have been able to support with funds raised at our events.”

Are you seeing any changes in the willingness of local media outlets (tv, newspapers, radio) to cover the Get Your Rear In Gear or any other colon cancer awareness events?

“We’ve had great media coverage this year.  In Philadelphia, the event was covered by NBC, and here in the Twin Cities, Chris Freytag recommended our race on KARE 11, the local NBC affiliate, and we received extensive coverage on our CBS station, WCCO.  Of course, I believe that more coverage would have a significant impact on our core mission which is to raise awareness, but I continue to be encouraged by this improving trend.”

Looking forward, I understand that the goal of the Coalition is to have a Get Your Rear In Gear event or to align with an existing event in each of the 50 states. Are you confident that it will happen?

“Yes, I answer this eagerly with a 100% yes.  We built this organization from the hard work of volunteers and a lean staff at a time when colon cancer was getting little or no attention.  In the beginning, we had no budget to speak of, only the belief of our supporters that we could make a difference.  And we have!  Since day one, we stayed true to our vision and mission.  We also focused on collaboration with the right local and national partners or advocates.  We receive calls and inquiries every week about starting an event.  In talking to these potential organizers we are careful to follow a tried and true business model that connects the right people to the right organizations in order to create successful events.  We also took the time to contact pre-existing events and suggested cross-promotion to get to the goal faster.  That, too, has contributed to our success.

Everyone remembers the “Katie Couric effect” where she went on national television to do a live colonoscopy.  Screening rates dramatically increased.  We have always believed that if we persisted, the country would experience a “Get Your Rear in Gear effect”. I believe that we are on our way to achieving that goal.”

Aside from creating awareness through these events, are there other ways in which you see the Coalition having an impact in the future?

The race is our largest awareness opportunity, however, the work never stops.  In Minnesota, Central Texas and San Francisco, the race has been in place longer and had the opportunity to support or organize such programs as free screening, survivor support groups, health fairs, legislation and educational training in schools or businesses.  The list goes on.  How far can we take it?  Within 3-5 years the “Get Your Rear effect” could help save 25,000 to 30,000 lives. I hope that this is the impact the Coalition has.”

Colorectal cancer advocates from around the country joined together tonight for three days of trainings and strategizing that will culminate in meetings with their Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Advocates from every corner of the country traveled to Washington, DC, in support of legislation that will create a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program – something that is desperately needed if we are to make colorectal cancer a disease that is no more deadly than the common cold.

“I’m so excited to be here again – this is my third Call-on Congress!” stated Marilia Sardinha, a C3 advocate from Maine. “It is wonderful to see this many people who are so committed and passionate about this disease that they would fly cross-country to join the fight.”

The advocates have two long days ahead of them. Tomorrow, March 23rd, they will receive training from professionals in grassroots advocacy and colorectal cancer policy. They will also hear from Representative Jim Moran (D-VA), who will speak to them about the importance of elected officials hearing from their constituents on issues that are important to them.

From Left, Mandy Nelson, Amy Klobuchar, Lisa Sanderson, Cindy Iverson & Brenda Elsagher.

On Tuesday, March 24th, they will take what they have learned to meetings with their own legislators – their two senators and representative – to make the case for the passage of HR 1189, the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act, as well as legislation that would create a colorectal cancer research program at the Department of Defense.

Stay tuned for updates from Call-on Congress 2009, or follow the Call-on Congress fun on Twitter!

-Written by Joe Arite

Carlea Bauman, Patrick Kennedy, and Kate Murphy

According to screening guidelines provided by the American Cancer Society, AGA, America College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy these tests may include:

• Colonoscopy screenings every 10 years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or double contrast barium enema screenings every five years
• Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
• FOBT or FIT plus a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

Twenty six states, including eight of the nine Get Your Rear In Gear states received passing grades on the report card.  Minnesota, which received a C grade, recently pushed legislation through the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee to help residents of that state gain greater access to affordable screening procedures.  To see how your state fared read the full report.

The coalition suggested taking the following steps to demand action in your community:

• Reach out to legislators.  Log on to www.nccra.org to find contact information for your local decision makers.  Send an email or make a quick call if you don’t like your state’s grade.
• Talk to your employer.  Ask if their health plan covers colorectal cancer screening, and if not, encourage them to consider it.
• Contact your insurance provider. Understand what screenings your policy covers and what it does not.
• Check in with family and friends.  Share this report (at nccra.org) with them and encourage them to talk to their doctor about getting screened.

Education about colon cancer prevention is making a difference.  But as this report card indicates, there is still work to be done both nationally and in local towns and communities.  For a complete list of Get Your Rear In Gear events across the country or to learn how to organize an event in your town go to GetYourRearIn Gear.com

“Women who got the most calcium from food and supplements had a lower risk of all cancer and a 23% lower risk of cancers of the digestive system than those who got the least.”

The recommended daily allowance of calcium increases for adults as they age.  The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 1200 mg/day for adults over the age of 51 and 1000 mg/day for those between 19 and 50 years of age.  While  supplements have become increasingly popular, “most Americans should consider their intake of calcium from all foods including fortified ones before adding supplements to their diet to help avoid the risk of reaching levels at or near the tolerable upper limit for calcium (2500 mg)”, according to the agency.

Calcium rich foods can be found in almost any aisle of the grocery store.  If dairy products rich in calcium are not your favorite foods, consider adding green leafy vegetables to your diet.  One cup of cooked spinach provides 300 mg of calcium, the same amount provided by an 8 oz glass of skim milk.  Ready-to-eat cereals are another great source.  Fortified cereals can provide anywhere from 236 to 1043 milligrams of calcium.  A more complete list of calcium rich foods, along with tips for improving the body’s ability to absorb this important nutrient can be found on the Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet provided by the National Institutes of Health.