UMC Health System hosts Lubbock Undy Run for colorectal cancer awareness

Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
·1 min read
Casey Swindell (1707) stands at the finish after the run. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Casey Swindell (1707) stands at the finish after the run. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Hundreds of runners and walkers hit the streets around Mae Simmons Park Saturday morning for The Lubbock Undy Run.

The event was hosted by UMC Health System to raise awareness about and prevention of colorectal cancer, according to UMC.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, making it the third most diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. for both sexes combined. However, early detection through regular screenings such as colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, and stool DNA tests can help lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Cancer Center nurse Betty Hitch blows bubbles as endoscopy nurse Catlin Pamlen RN walks past. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Cancer Center nurse Betty Hitch blows bubbles as endoscopy nurse Catlin Pamlen RN walks past. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Saturday's event was a 5K run/walk with an undy-themed walk created by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The goal of the run was to provide support for patients and families, caregivers, and survivors and inspire efforts to fund critical research.

“UMC is proud to sponsor the Undy Run this year,” said Lindsay Bryant, director of the UMC Endoscopy Center. “This event supports UMC’s efforts in raising colon cancer awareness and educating the community about health and wellness. We love that we can bring colon cancer awareness to the community in a fun, family-friendly way!”

The cost to sign up was $25 and all proceeds will benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Runners walk up to the starting line before the run. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Runners walk up to the starting line before the run. Runners competed in the 2023 Lubbock Undy Run at Mae Simmons Park Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023 to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: UMC hosts Lubbock Undy Run for colorectal cancer awareness