Annual undy run raises money to fight Colorectal Cancer
(WJBK) - These runners and walkers say they're on a mission to end a preventable disease.
Hundreds put on boxers to participate in the 2018 Detroit Undy Run/Walk.
Fox 2s Amy Lange served as MC for this yearly event sponsored by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
When Mike McDonald's wife, April, was diagnosed with colon cancer nearly 6 years ago they started participating in the event.
“Quite devastating because she was only 43,” McDonald said.
But earlier this year April lost her battle and this year her husband and other loved ones are participating as a tribute to her.
“This is one of the most emotional ones we’ve been at,” he said,
The walk-run works to raise money to help put an end to Colorectal Cancer so families like the McDonald's don't have to lose a loved one.
“Just in Detroit alone we raised close to $35,000 for this race part of the money will end up going to a local cancer research institute as well as our cancer research foundation which provides scholarships to researchers looking for a cure for Colorectal Cancer,” Mariel McLeod said.
Marielle McLeod is not only a member of the alliance she says she's also a survivor.
“I was diagnosed last year right after turning 36 with stage 3 Colorectal Cancer,” she said. “We're hoping to end this disease one and for all.”
She joins Jessica Cash, a stage 4 rectal cancer survivor who plans to fight this disease in a super-hero kind of way.
“And I always say never give up never give in,” Cash said.
Jessica says despite her diagnosis she still finds joy and hopes her story inspires others.
“As crazy as it sounds I have stage 4 cancer I'm probably the happiest I've ever been I think because it makes you realize what's important in life.”