Walk/Run Aims to Raise Colon Cancer Awareness, Funds for Research

Inspired by friends and family members whose lives have been affected by colon cancer, staff of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) will sponsor “Strollin’ for the Colon” Saturday, April 21, in Geneseo.

The 5K walk/run begins and ends at Cottone Auction House, 120 Court Street in Geneseo. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Racers will begin at 9 a.m. and walkers at 9:05 a.m., led by Race Marshall Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling. Prizes will be available for racers in all age divisions. Entry fee is $20 in advance, $25 on race day, and includes a tee shirt. Entrants are invited to collect and submit additional donations.

Activities complementing the walk include a silent auction and raffles from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a pig roast starting at noon for $12 per person, and live music featuring Trilogy.

Proceeds from the event will go toward colon cancer research at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, development of cancer awareness programs through URMC’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and the Livingston County Department of Health Cancer Prevention Program. Event sponsors include Cottone Auctions, Diversified Site Works LLC, Swain Sports, and Trilogy. Race timing will be provided by PCR Timing.

“Many of us have had parents, siblings, and friends who’ve had colon cancer,” said Tina Cottone, who is helping to organize the event. “Working in the Gastroenterology division, we have come to appreciate the value and importance of education and screening and know first-hand that it can help save lives.”

For more information, please visit www.gastro.urmc.edu or call Karen Van Norman at (585) 261-5648.