The Coalition's History

The Colon Cancer Coalition was incorporated as a 501C3 non-profit in Minnesota in August of 2006. The organization was formed initially to oversee the continued success of the Twin Cities Get Your Rear and Gear 5K and related activities.

Recognizing almost immediately that many others had a similar desire to create awareness events for colon cancer - and specifically run/walk events - the Coalition decided to expand its vision to help create Get Your Rear in Gear branded events in all 50 United States.

Working from our highly successful model in the Twin Cities, the Coalition has created a network of affiliate events that we help manage or support throughout the country.  We offer those committed to creating awareness in their community a proven blueprint for success, saving organizers time, money and energy to invest in the success of their local event.  As our network of events grows, we have the opportunity to share ideas, strategies, marketing tools and buying power amongst our event leaders, sponsors, volunteers and participants.

By joining forces with other like-minded advocates throughout the United States,  we believe we can dramatically impact colorectal cancer by increasing awareness and screening.  By making the words colon, colorectal and colonoscopy every day language, we can help overcome fear and decrease deaths from this largely preventable cancer.  Contact us to learn how to become part of our movement.

How We Grew

2005: Inaugural Twin Cities event attracts 1,200 participants and helps raise over $75,000.

2006: Twin Cities event more than doubles to 2,600 participants and raises over $130,000.

2007: More than 3,200 participate in the Twin Cities 5K; more than 50 Teams are formed for event and help raise nearly $175,000.  First time event In Austin, Texas draws more than 400 participants.  A collaboration with the Strides for Life Colon Cancer Foundation in San Francisco helps more than double their attendance to their existing run/walk to over 600 participants.

Get Your Rear in Gear 2008 5K Events Twin Cities, Minnesota Lafayette, Louisiana Rochester, Minnesota Austin, Texas Colchester, Vermont Central Minnesota Central Ohio San Francisco, California

New Cities with 2009 Events Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Raleigh, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois Alexandria, Virigina

Creating Awareness through the Media

The Get Your Rear in Gear events have produced local media stories every year, receiving coverage on TV, Radio, newspaper, magazines and even blogs.

Since the inception of the Twin Cities event, more than 100 media reports have appeared that feature our event participants, giving them the chance to share their story – their diagnosis, treatment, survival, and hopes – to help inspire others to get involved,  give time and money, and most importantly, get screened.

Building Support in our Communities

Successful special events become part of the community, attracting hundreds of volunteers, spectators, and supporters.  Local community and civic groups, leading medical institutions and care providers, prominent political and charitable leaders, and businesses of all size and types have all become an important part of Get Your Rear in Gear events.  The Coalition excels at bringing all these dynamic resources together to give back to the communities which they serve.