WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation has been awarded a $22,000 grant from the Colon Cancer Coalition through money raised at the Get Your Rear in Gear event in Winston-Salem. The new partnership between Forsyth Medical Center and Colon Cancer Coalition will fund colonoscopy screenings for low-income, underserved colorectal cancer patients in Forsyth County. The Colon Cancer Coalition has collaborated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte each year since 2011.
Team members at the Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Institute will use funding to perform colonoscopy screenings for underserved individuals at risk for colon cancer. The institute is one of the largest cancer centers in the southern United States. Every year, institute physicians diagnose nearly 3,000 cancer cases and provide complete and effective cancer care with the latest technology and access to more than 100 national research trials. The institute’s personal environment and technological advancements enable team members to treat both common and rare cancers with the same focus. The institute also offers chemotherapy and outpatient medical oncology services at various Novant Health oncology satellite locations within the region. In 2012, Forsyth Medical Center Foundation leadership established the Bud Hardison Colon Cancer Fund to provide program and service support related to colorectal cancer health screening and treatment, assistance for underserved colorectal patients and families, resources during treatment, educational outreach, and community and team member education.
“Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States,” said Dr. David Hiller, colon and rectal cancer surgeon at Forsyth Medical Center. “When found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Our new partnership with Colon Cancer Coalition will save lives in Forsyth and surrounding counties.”
“We are deeply grateful for this new partnership with Colon Cancer Coalition,” said Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of Novant Health and president of the Novant Health Foundation. “By building onto the long relationship with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, the Colon Cancer Coalition now helps Forsyth Medical Center teams increase screening rates and reduce late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among low-income and under/uninsured patients.”
“The Colon Cancer Coalition is pleased to support Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and provide funding for much-needed colonoscopy screenings in Winston-Salem and the surrounding community,” said Chris Evans, president of the Colon Cancer Coalition. “2021 marks the 10th year we have partnered with the Winston-Salem community to conduct a Get Your Rear in Gear event, and we are pleased with our new partnership with Forsyth Medical Center to provide colorectal cancer screening and education. We look forward to continued collaboration to increase screening and save lives in this community.”
Get Your Rear in Gear is a community-based annual event that includes a 5K timed run, 5K untimed walk and a kid’s fun run. Registration for the May 15, Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run at Jamison Park in Winston-Salem is now open. In-person and virtual events are available this year. Funds support colon cancer services locally. Please visit donate.coloncancercoalition.org/winston-salem for more information or to be a part of the event.
For more information about Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Institute, visit novanthealth.org/forsyth-medical-center/services/cancer.aspx.
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