TLC’s Amy Roloff runs in Portland Get Your Rear in Gear

Amy Roloff, star of TLC’s Little People, Big World, ran in the first annual Portland Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk on August 1, 2010, alongside an enthusiastic crowd of participants.   Ms. Roloff, who had never run a 5K before, said she was nervous at the starting line.  “This will be a significant accomplishment for me,” she commented.  But with the determination she is known for, Ms. Roloff not only completed the distance but crossed the finish line with a confident smile.

Amy Roloff is a strong supporter of non-profit organizations.  Her role on the top-rated LPBW has given her “the gift of publicity,” which she uses to help non-profit organizations achieve success. In 2009, she founded the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation, which assists children including youth at risk, people with disabilities, single parents and families.  Now she says it is her “personal mission to help others in need.” She is particularly interested in organizations that address medical challenges and issues of diversity.  It was this commitment which inspired her to participate in the Portland Get Your Rear in Gear event.

Amy Roloff dancing with event organizers Michell Baker and Jan Hinton

The event proved to be a highly successful awareness endeavor.  Like many others, Ms. Roloff knew little about the facts surrounding colon cancer prior to her attendance.  Typical stereotypes reinforce the misconception that colon cancer only affects older men.  But as the day progressed, Ms. Roloff and other participants learned that colon cancer affects people of all ages, every race and both genders.  Ms. Roloff said that she was impacted by the degree to which colon cancer affects the family unit.

Race participants at the Portland event were particularly enthusiastic at this first annual race.  Runners and walkers, including one 85 year-old participant, danced at the starting line.  Race organizers were impressed by the number of participants who expressed an interest in becoming more involved in the Get Your Rear in Gear events in the future.

More than seventy-five percent of the money raised in Sunday’s event will return to the Portland community for public education, colon cancer support, awareness and help to provide cancer screening to those who are under or non-insured.  A portion is earmarked for event sponsor Northwest Cancer Specialists.