There was a lot to celebrate for Butch Kummer this year: A birthday, anniversary, and his recent successful dualothon that took place in early October.
Butch, 55 and a two-time cancer survivor, coordinated a “4-50-4” to help raise funds for early colorectal cancer screening and detection. The event took place in Hastings, Minn. in honor of his 54th birthday in 2010.
He asked people to donate at least one dollar through his website and at the event, and hoped to raise $2,000 toward the cause. The day of the event, Oct. 8, over 50 people joined Butch for the 4-mile run, 50-mile bike ride, followed by a 4-mile run to support the cause. In addition to dualothon participants, many stopped by to make contributions and helped raise over $3,000!
Butch was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 after reporting stomach cramps (a common symptom) to his doctor. Later in the year, Butch had his surgery and underwent chemotherapy in 2002. Then in 2006, doctors discovered that the tumor moved to his liver, causing Butch to complete another chemotherapy that same year.
Butch made a complete recovery since his diagnosis, and is celebrating his five-year anniversary of being free of cancer this year.
“It’s not so bad to get up close and personal with your doctor,” says Butch, so “get your rears checked!” To help prevent colon cancer, Butch provides these simple tips to follow:
- Know your family medical history, and talk to your doctor about the appropriate age for you to be screened
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day
- Consume a low-fat diet
- Engage in regular exercise
- Stop using tobacco products
- Consume alcohol in moderation
For more information about colon cancer, please visit our website.