At the end of last year, our community lost another inspiring and motivational fighter to young onset colon cancer. Despite a stage IV diagnosis, Nathan Allen was an avid walker, inspiring so many as he headed out to enjoy the great outdoors while actively going through treatment.
Nate at Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland, with fellow survivors Dan Hawkins and Katie Lee. Photo credit: Jess Hahaj
With his chemo pump slung around his shoulder, Nathan could often be found walking the trails around his home in Lebanon, Oregon. He loved to show off his view, motivate others in the fight, and let everyone know that he wasn’t going to let cancer, treatments, or side effects keep him from “killing the C” on his walks.
Last year Nathan joined us at Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland, and true to form, took on the 5K walk with vigor and gusto. The loss of Nathan can not only be felt within the colorectal cancer community at large, but within his local community, with his friends, and with is family.
Nathan with fellow survivor James Sunderland at Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland. Photo credit: Jess Hahaj
In celebration of Nathan and the many miles he walked while fighting colon cancer, we are honored to announce the 1.5-Mile Nathan Allen Memorial Walk as part of the Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland race this year.
We hope that the infectious attitude he hit the road with every day will be embraced by those who walk with us. Fighters like Nathan remind us our spirits are stronger than cancer will ever be, and the attitude with which we take on life can truly inspire others.
Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland 5K Run and 1.5-Mile Nathan Allen Memorial Walk will be Saturday, August 5 at Mt. Tabor Park in Portland.
My son-in-law Nathan Drew Allen was such an inspiration and a blessing. In the year and a half that GOD gave him….he accomplished more than I could in ten years. I hope that I will be able to come and walk the walk in August, in Nathan’s footsteps…. He lives on…. and the “c” did not win….
I will surely try to participate in honor of Nathan. He so deeply inspired by daughter Coriana daily. He was an angel sharing while he was earning his wings. I’ll keep this date but please keep me infor mm Ed on proper registration. Or donations if I can. Otherwise fit some reason make it to Oregon. Thank you. Edwina hunter. RIP Nathan and Coriana.
We’re very sorry to hear about your daughter, but are in equal agreement that Nathan was an inspiration and encouragement to so many. If you are on Facebook, we recommend you follow the Get Your Rear in Gear – Portland page for more updated information on the race, and making donations in Nathan’s memory. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, as it is always great to read of the reach Nathan had.