It is with enormous pride that we celebrate our first international event. Get Your Rear in Gear – Bahamas will be held oceanside in Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, May 14.
This ground-breaking event is led by the family of Andrea Darville. Andrea was a joy to know and was the driving force behind Get Your Rear in Gear making its way to this island nation. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to see her dream of a colorectal cancer awareness event painting the Bahamas blue become a reality.
Her family took the reins after Andrea suddenly passed away on April 2, 2022, due to complications from colorectal cancer. She was just 31. The Colon Cancer Coalition is honored to finish making her dream come true and celebrate her life and legacy alongside her family and the rest of the Bahamas crew.
Andrea’s passion for colorectal cancer awareness, screening, prevention, and supporting patients will live on through this event. Money raised at Get Your Rear in Gear – Bahamas will financially support patients as they begin treatment for colorectal cancer through a partnership with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.
“My sister Andrea was a ball of light and brought laughter and love to those she encountered. Her light shone even brighter the last eighteen months of her life,” remembers Emily Darville, Andrea’s sister. “After being diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2020, she made the decision to raise awareness and share her story with the world in hopes of inspiring others to continue to fight and shine bright; always remembering that life is beautiful and God is good. Even when we encounter our toughest battles in life we must always remember – ‘And we know that all things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose,’ Romans 8:28.
“Although she was my younger sister, her wisdom and strength encouraged me during bad days,” Emily continues. “‘Always believe in yourself and ascribe to be the empowered you’ is one of her quotes that I recite to myself often to carry me through life. My sister had a servant heart; she was always willing to help anyone in need. She constantly encouraged people to be kind, love, laugh and live life to the fullest as she did. She reminded us to ‘Live everyday as if it’s your last. Laugh hard and love a lot; and remember anything can happen to anyone.’
“It is an honor to be a part of this inaugural event Get Your Rear in Gear – Bahamas. We will paint the streets BLUE on May 14, 2022, in honor of all those who have transitioned, conquered and courageously battling colon cancer.”
“I’m honored to work with the Darville family to bring Andrea’s dream of painting the Bahamas blue for colorectal cancer awareness to reality. Bringing an event like Get Your Rear in Gear to Nassau is a great step toward continued colorectal cancer awareness internationally and encouraging screening and symptoms awareness to the Bahamian community,” remarks Jackie Evans, director of national events at the Colon Cancer Coalition. “We are thrilled that we can work with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas so that these efforts can support newly-diagnosed colorectal cancer patients as they begin their treatment journey.”
Please keep Andrea’s family and friends in your thoughts as they grieve the loss of this brilliant, spirited, beautiful human being.
And help us welcome the Bahamas to the Get Your Rear in Gear community!
REGISTER FOR GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR - BAHAMAS