Event to Help Battle Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Each year, 2,000 South Carolinians are diagnosed with colon cancer and 800 die from the disease. But it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer – and treatable when detected early. Unfortunately, not everyone receives proper screening.

That’s why Lexington Medical Center will host its third annual Colon Cancer Challenge on March 24, 2012. The event features a bike ride and 8K race to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer screening. Proceeds from the bike ride will pay for colonoscopies for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Hundreds of people are expected to participate.  

“It’s a day to raise awareness,” said Barbara Willm, Vice President of Community Relations at Lexington Medical Center. “The funds that we raise go to provide screening colonoscopies for uninsured patients. To date, we’ve screened about 75 people with proceeds from the Colon Cancer Challenge.”

The Colon Cancer Challenge is set for March 24, 2012. The one-day bicycling event will feature a 65 mile ride and 25 mile ride. There will also be an 8K race and 1-mile family fun run/walk. Everything begins and ends at Dutch Fork High School, located at 1400 Old Tamah Road in Irmo.

Registration for the 65 and 25 mile rides is $35; the 8K race is $25; the 1-mile family fun run/walk is $10, with children age 12 and under $5.  Fees will increase after March 12. The 65-mile ride begins at 7:30 a.m.; the 25-mile ride at 8:30 a.m.; the 8K race at 8:45 a.m. and the family fun walk at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Learn more at LMCColonCancerChallenge.com.