If you've noticed a lot of blue on the downtown skyline after dark lately, there's a good reason: this month, several buildings including Liberty Tower, Baker Donelson/Republic Centre, the Westin Chattanooga and The Block are lit in support of colon cancer awareness.
“We appreciate our local business community’s support of this observance,” said Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, colorectal surgeon and chair of the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation. “Colon cancer affects many Chattanooga families and is one of the most common cancers in our area – but if it’s caught early, it’s treatable and beatable.”
Other colon cancer awareness activities this month include Saturday’s Rump Run at Enterprise South Nature Park.
The community is invited to join hundreds of area runners, walkers and colon cancer survivors for a morning of family-friendly physical activity including a road race, kids activities and a fun walk.
Online registration for the Rump Run is open until noon on Friday at
rumprun.com. In-person registration will be available the morning of the race beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Enterprise South Nature Park visitor center. A survivor recognition will take place at 8:50 a.m. followed by the timed 5K at 9 a.m. and the Fun Walk at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration is $30 online, and the day-of registration fee will be $40. Children 10 and under are $10.
All proceeds from the event support the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation’s work to increase awareness of colorectal cancer, improve access to screenings and offer support to those impacted by the disease.
The Greater Chattanooga Rump Run is presented by University Surgical Associates, Erlanger Health System, Memorial Health Care System and Parkridge Health System. Sponsors include Galen Digestive Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Brewer Media, Chattanooga Endoscopy Center, Diagnostic Pathology Services, Digestive Care and Management, Digestive Disease Consultants, First Tennessee, Genentech, Groome Transportation, HHM Wealth Advisors, Merrill Lynch, Myriad Labs, PathGroup, Puckett EMS and Tennessee Oncology.
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering at Saturday’s event may call 423-757-0730 or go to www.rumprun.com to sign up.