In 2024, the Colon Cancer Coalition will host 42 Get Your Rear in Gear’s across 31 states, plus the Bahamas! We’re thrilled to be expanding and raising awareness in new communities!
While Atlanta, Hampton Roads, Las Vegas, and Little Rock have hosted Get Your Rear in Gear’s in previous years, we’re excited to welcome them back into our Coalition family along with five other brand-new events!
Kimberly Pratt chose to partner with the Coalition to bring Get Your Rear in Gear to St. George in an effort to bring awareness to the area.
“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths; we need to spread education and awareness. As the nursing director for an endoscopy center, we have personally known so many who have suffered and been affected by colorectal cancer. As an avid runner, what better way to reach the St. George community than by organizing a 5K run on the beautiful Virgin River Trail? My goal is to raise awareness, increase screening rates, support those who are affected by it, and ultimately save lives!”
Dr. Rizwan Jafi, gastroenterologist and professor, and Garyn Grijalva, nurse and community advocate, are bringing Get Your Rear in Gear to Arizona for a similar reason as Kimberly.
Since both Local Event Directors work and teach students in the GI field, their hope is to inspire the next generation of leaders in the fight against colon cancer. They can’t wait to kick-off Colorectal Cancer Awareness month with the first ever Get Your Rear in Gear – Arizona on March 2nd!
Christina Moody-Lawson, Local Event Director for Get Your Rear in Gear – Bristol, knows the statistics all too well. She got involved after she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year at age 35 while having a colonoscopy for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
“I honestly didn’t know what to do or where to start,” shares Christina. “Within a month of diagnosis, I had a colon recession. Fortunately, because I had access to preventative care, I was able to catch my cancer early. I was stage I. If I had not had access to care, I may not be here today with my family.”
Similar to Christina, Local Event Director of Get Your Rear in Gear – Columbia, Stephanie Rein, is a survivor who was diagnosed shortly after she turned 40.
“I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in 2011. I didn’t have any of the traditional symptoms, and it was only because my GI was trying to determine the location of what we thought was an ulcer that a 5 cm tumor was discovered.”
“I was fortunate that after my sigmoid resection, I didn’t require any additional treatment and have been cancer free for almost 13 years. With the rise in early onset colorectal cancer, it’s so important to normalize the conversation about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. While nobody loves going to the doctor, people need to know that the earlier a problem is caught, the more treatable it is. That’s why I want to advocate for colon cancer.”
And Kristin Robinson joins us as Local Event Director for Get Your Rear in Gear – Temecula following the passing of her father to colorectal cancer, who was in his 50s.
“There’s a lack of awareness, worldwide, about colon cancer and the increased rate in which people are dying from colon cancer.”
She believes in the saying “Each one, teach one,” which means to spread knowledge for the betterment of your community.
Kristin is bringing a Get Your Rear in Gear Run/Walk to Temecula to provide the community with resources and tools needed to get tested early, while also honoring, celebrating and remembering those affected by colon cancer.
It’s due to the hard work and passion of these individuals that we’re able to make a difference in more communities, and thus bring awareness to and help even more people. From our Coalition, we thank you!
