CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Colon Cancer Coalition recently awarded Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (NHPMC) Foundation a grant to fund colonoscopy screenings, patient living expenses, colon cancer rehabilitation and wellness services for low-income colorectal cancer patients. This grant is made possible through funds raised during the Get Your Rear in Gear (GYRIG) – Charlotte 5K event, held each year in March. Novant Health Grants Director Randy Brantley and Grants Manager Kerri Polce accepted a $75,000 check on behalf of NHPMC Foundation from local Get Your Rear in Gear – Charlotte event director Phillip Sanford.
“Through the years, Colon Cancer Coalition funding has made education and early detection of colorectal cancers possible for the uninsured community,” said Maria Kuklinski-Long, Novant Health prevention, education and early detection manager. “Novant Health oncologists are diagnosing more colorectal cancers among patients under 50, many of whom are uninsured. The Colon Cancer Coalition has stepped up to fund colonoscopy screenings to assist those most in need and help save lives.”
Since 2011, NHPMC Foundation has been a primary beneficiary of funds raised during the annual GYRIG 5K event. Event funds underwrite patient care and staff development, including colonoscopy screenings, financial support, psychosocial support, genetic testing, rehabilitation services and colorectal nurse navigation to local colorectal cancer patients. Colon Cancer Coalition funding, supported by local GYRIG fundraising efforts, has provided vital services for more than 2,600 colorectal cancer patients in the Charlotte region since 2011.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. An estimated 145,600 new cases will be diagnosed in 2019.
Registration for this year’s GYRIG 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run, held on March 30 at Charlotte’s Independence Park, is now open. Funds support cancer services locally. Visit coloncancercoalition.org/charlotte to learn more or join the event.
Subscribe