First Annual Undy 5000 5K Makes Big Impact Against Colon Cancer

Online, October 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - 450 people ran in their underwear in honor of and in memory of those who have been affected by colon cancer. The 1st Annual Peoria Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk was held at Bradley Park quickly becoming a highly successful event, raising just over $35,000. Brought to Peoria locally by Central Illinois Endoscopy Center, the goal of the event was to raise awareness by getting more people talking about colon cancer and the importance of screening.

As with every Undy 5000, colon cancer survivors were honored and recognized, and with 20 survivors at the event, there was definitely something to celebrate. "Our amazing colon cancer survivors all had such great attitudes," said Todd Setter, National Director of the Undy 5000 Series. "They were so inspiring."

In an allegiance to promote colon cancer prevention, Central Illinois Endoscopy Center joined forces with Methodist Hospital and OSF St. Francis. "We know that in order to prevent colon cancer and save lives, we need to educate and screen as many people as possible, regardless of where they go for their screening," said Karen Smith, Interim Executive Director at Central Illinois Endoscopy Center.

More than 23 teams were created for the event, and four teams raised over $1000 each, with the top fundraising team raising almost $5000. Many teams were created by local organizations and businesses as well as friends and family members of colon cancer victims and survivors.

"We are delighted with the turnout and are proud of our community for coming together in an effort to raise awareness about colon cancer," said Eli Kuga, Medical Director and Gastroenterologist at CIEC and IGI. "We look forward to continuing to spread the word on the importance of colon cancer screening in future events," added Kuga.

Event proceeds are used to support the CCA's national and local patient support and public awareness programs. The Undy 5000 series, created by the CCA in 2008, is held in cities across the nation and is designed to promote awareness and educate the public about colon cancer.

Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Dulcolax®, is the proud presenting sponsor of the 2012 Undy 5000 races. As the #1 doctor-recommended stimulant for constipation relief, Dulcolax®* reminds everyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer that a colonoscopy can save lives.

More information about the Undy 5000 is available online at www.undy5000.org.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the leading national patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing screening rates and survivorship. The CCA is an active, caring community that provides hope and support to patients and their families, while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research.

Central Illinois Endoscopy Center is downstate Illinois' largest freestanding, dedicated endoscopy center. CIEC is the Peoria area's first outpatient center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The team at CIEC is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality care utilizing advanced technology in a comfortable environment. For more information, please visit www.ciendoscopy.com.