March To Get Screened 5K for colon cancer awareness
March To Get Screened 5K for colon cancer awareness
The death of James Van Der Beek at age 48 placed colorectal cancer in the spotlight once again. Chadwick Boseman, Charles M. Schulz, Audrey Hepburn and Vince Lombardi were among the notables who also succumbed to this insidious disease.
Medical research shows that colorectal cancer now ranks as the top threat for cancer deaths in Americans younger than 50.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, making it the nation’s second leading cancer killer, with lung cancer leading the way.
Touting several Borland Groover locations in St. Johns County, including one in St. Augustine, the Borland Groover Foundation will host the 2026 March To Get Screened 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run Sunday, March 29, at the St. Johns Borland Groover Durbin Crossing Endoscopy Center.
Designed to promote colon cancer awareness, the local race has become Northeast Florida’s largest digestive health fundraiser. Founded by colon cancer survivor Jan Pratt, the family friendly event raises awareness about colorectal cancer and promotes the lifesaving importance of routine screening.
Race proceeds will fund free colonoscopies for eligible patients, offer screening colonoscopy vouchers for underinsured members of community, provide financial assistance of up to $5,000 for cancer treatments for eligible patients, and will help to fund the distribution of educational materials to medical facilities. Funds will not be used for Borland Groover operations.
According to a press release issued by Borland Groover, the event reinforces its “This Is 45” initiative, which encourages adults to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 in accordance with national guidelines.
“Early detection makes all the difference,” said Community Outreach Manager Carole Rogero of Borland Groover. “March To Get Screened is about coming together as a community to promote screening at age 45 and support patients who may not otherwise have access to care. The impact of this event extends far beyond race day.”
Registration begins at 7 a.m., with the timed 5K beginning at 8 a.m. The event will feature music, activities and food for all ages. All proceeds benefit the Borland Groover Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building a healthy community that is “free from colon cancer through service, education and empowerment.”Since its inception, March To Get Screened has raised more than $500,000 to support colorectal cancer awareness, patient assistance and screening initiatives. In the past three years alone, the foundation has helped more than 150 patients receive screenings through its BG Cares program.
About Borland Groover
Founded in 1947, Borland Groover is one of the largest gastroenterology clinics in America. The practice offers cutting-edge technology, advanced treatments for digestive diseases and works with minimally invasive techniques once limited to general surgery.
Borland Groover is also engaged in clinical research to develop pharmacologic solutions for complex GI conditions and a cure for disease. Services include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), biliary endoscopy (ERCP), and the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of both acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
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