by Mel Ness, Get Your Rear in Gear contributor
Kummer first decided to undertake his 4-50-4 duathalon in order to get back into shape. After further consideration, Kummer, a colon cancer survivor, decided that he wanted to use this event to raise money for a good cause.
“Last summer I heard about Get Your Rear In Gear Twin Cities and started doing some research online and determined it would be a good cause to support. I signed up for the 2011 race, ran it with my daughter, and finally decided that I was going to take my idea and make it happen,” shared Kummer.
Kummer was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 at the age of 45. After undergoing surgery in January 2001 and chemotherapy in 2002, Kummer went in for periodic appointments and received the news that the cancer had metastasized to his liver in the spring of 2006.
“I had surgery in April of 2006, followed by another summer of chemotherapy. Now I can say that at this time I am cancer free,” said Kummer.
Kummer also hopes that this event will assist in raising awareness of colon cancer and the importance of screening in the surrounding community.
“My goal is to let people know that colon cancer, if found early enough, is not a death sentence. I’m hoping that people will hear my story and be motivated to get checked earlier. Hopefully, that, in turn, will be the difference between whether a cancer is treatable or untreatable,” commented Kummer.
Kummer’s 4-50-4 event will take place in Hastings, Minnesota on October 8, 2011. The race will consist of a four-mile run, a 50-mile bike ride and another four-mile run. Kummer’s supporters are invited to join him at the finish line at the Green Mill in Hastings. The Green Mill will be donating a percentage of sales from the finish line gathering.
For more information is available here. All contributions to Kummer will benefit Get Your Rear In Gear to help promote colon cancer awareness. He is not asking people to join him on this run/bike/run but anyone is welcome to join be a part of any or all of it. Contact Kummer through his website.
