Colon Cancer Alliance raises awareness in Denver with 'Undy' run

DENVER — The Colon Cancer Alliance’s Denver Undy 5000 5K run held at City Park last month had more than 1,300 people wearing underwear, boxer shorts or silly costumes helping to bring greater awareness to colon cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“Denver has done it again,” stated Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “The Undy 5000 was a great success. We had 74 survivors in attendance who were recognized for their valiant effort in beating this disease. And, to top it off, Denver supporters helped us raise more than $130,000.” That marks the third consecutive year that the Undy 5000 5K run eclipsed the $100,000 mark in raised funds.

Event proceeds are used to support and build the Colon Cancer Alliance’s national and local patient support and public awareness programs. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the Denver Undy 5000 will go to the Colorado Colorectal Screening Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center to fund services for individuals diagnosed with colon cancer.

The maker of Dulcolax is the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Undy 5000 races. As the No.-1 doctor-recommended stimulant for constipation relief, Dulcolax reminded everyone over the age of 50 years or those with a family history of colon cancer that a colonoscopy can save lives.

Additional national sponsors included the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Amgen, Genentech and Salix Pharmaceuticals. Local sponsors included Arapahoe Gastroenterology, RMGA, South Denver Gastroenterology, Diversified Radiology of Colorado, The Cancer Center Lutheran Medical Center, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Saint Joseph Hospital, Ah-Some Photography and Tony’s Market.

More information about the Undy 5000 is available online at Undy5000.org.