As I write this, we are all experiencing confusion over the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping our nation. It is possible that you or someone you love has even been diagnosed with the virus, though I sincerely hope not. At a minimum, we are all exercising caution, "social distancing," and increasing hand washing and sanitization in an effort to "flatten the curve," and hasten the decline of this disease. This week should have been one of frenzied, last minute preparation for the 10th annual Rump Run event, and while that event will still take place, it will not be this Saturday as originally planned. Although we are deeply disappointed, the health and safety of the community comes first, and I know the event will be a success on our rescheduled fall date. Until then, stay well in these unprecedented times in which we are living. I hope when I next write, this will all be behind us.
In good health,
Kayse Rigsby
Executive Director
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As you know, the Rump Run has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at Enterprise South Nature Park. WE CAN STILL MAKE THIS 10TH ANNUAL EVENT THE BEST ONE YET!! At the time of the postponement, we already had almost 400 people signed up for the event, including 24 teams - that's incredible! Let's double that between now and October! We have extended the deadline to guarantee a race shirt and order memoriam/honorarium signs to Friday, September 11th. You can visit our website at rumprun.com for more information about the event. We hope to see you in October!
You can help!
- Spread the word to your friends and family members on social media using hashtag #RumpRun2020, through email, word of mouth - whatever works best for you! Let people know that you are supporting this event and why!
- Stick with us - continue recruiting team members, or forming teams. Every registration is another dollar raised toward increasing colon cancer awareness in Chattanooga, and reaching at risk populations with the life saving message that colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable!
- Virtually Register - if you are unable to physically participate on the new October 3rd date, please consider changing your registration to the Bums in Bed option. This will allow you to continue supporting GCCCF, even if you cannot be at the event.
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Remember or honor a loved one who has battled or is currently battling colon cancer by purchasing a course sign for the Rump Run. Signs can be purchased by clicking here.
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Colon Cancer and COVID-19 - What You Should Know
People are quarantined in their homes, gatherings are held to 10 people or fewer, social distancing is encouraged - these are some very unsettling times. While the threat of COVID-19 applies to everyone, people who are aged 60 and older, as well as those with weakened immune systems, have an increased risk of contracting the virus. What does that mean for colorectal cancer patients and survivors? According to FightCRC.org, "colorectal patients are at an increased risk of catching the Coronavirus, due to immunosuppressive treatments." So, how can you protect yourselves? The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest these precautions:
- Avoid being exposed as much as possible
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, counters, and toilets with sanitizer spray or wipes. Also - don't forget your electronic devices!
Along with the safety precautions mentioned above, the American College of Gastroenterology released a statement earlier this week, suggesting that there is additional potential for COVID-19 transmission through fecal shedding, which increases the risks for colonoscopy procedures. "Yes, patients still need to be screened," said Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, GCCCF chair and colorectal surgeon at University Surgical Associates, "but right now in Chattanooga, all elective screenings are being postponed for eight weeks. Anything urgent or emergent will still happen." If you have symptoms and are unsure if they qualify as "urgent or emergent," several groups are offering a telemedicine option. Utilizing this method, patients are able to schedule a virtual visit with a doctor, and can avoid physically going into the office. "Yes, by all means, if a patient feels they have symptoms, they can come to our office to be seen, or have Telemed visits," says Tira Hargis, Regional Manager at Galen Medical. Additionally, both the American Cancer Society, and Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) offer helplines and daily online chat options.
Bottom line - if you are scheduled or need to schedule a routine screening colonoscopy, you will need to wait a few more weeks. If you have signs or symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool, a change in bowel habits, or persistent pain in the abdomen, you need to speak with your doctor.
For more information or support:
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Fight CRC
American Cancer Society
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
American College of Gastroenterology |
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Colon Cancer Survival - Jan's Story
My name is Jan. I am a 53 year old female, survivor of colon cancer. I was diagnosed in July, 2019. I had a few months of symptoms that I ignored and then shrugged off as other issues. In April, 2019 I started having severe back and abdominal pain. The pain intensified over the next couple of weeks and I made my 1st ER visit in June, 2019. After tests, CT scan and other normal ER procedures, I was sent home with a kidney stone diagnosis. The symptoms persisted into and through July, 2019. I spent a week of vacation in Florida with my son and his family. The entire vacation week I was in pain and overall misery. The day after we returned home I was aching and chilling on a hot July day. An inner voice told me to go to the ER. I drove myself and several hours later was told in an ER bed the CT scan showed a "rather large suspicious tumor" in my colon.
I was admitted that night and thus the "removing and healing" of cancer began.
I was admitted late on July 25th and my surgery on July 29th entailed the removal of a tennis ball size tumor, 12 inches of colon, and 28 lymph nodes.
Pathology tests showed the cancer to effect 5/28 lymph nodes. This gave me the Stage 3B colon cancer diagnosis.
After the installation of the chemo port, chemo began on Sept. 9. I was scheduled for 8 rounds of FOLFOX and only was able to have 6. I had a PET scan that showed NO other tumors and my blood work is normal. I am 2 months post chemo, healing and getting stronger every day.
A colon cancer diagnosis has certainly changed my life. I now have an even more appreciation for life, for cancer patients, survivors and care givers and a stronger faith in a healing, comforting God.
I want to encourage and enlighten all who suffer, have loved ones that suffer or are survivors of cancer. We have a common bond that can't be broken.
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Colon Cancer Survivor Jan Stephens
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We are interested in your cancer journey story too! Are you willing to share how colon cancer has impacted your life? Please contact us and let us know!
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Updated: 2020 Tax Tips provided by Jones Krogh, with HHM Wealth Advisors
Tax Deadline - Extended
- The deadline to file your 2019 federal income tax return, or file your extension, has been moved to July 15, 2020. This new deadline includes zero penalties for any payments of one million dollars or less to individuals until July 15, 2020 (ten million dollars or less for corporate taxpayers).
Families First Coronavirus Act
- This act established payroll tax credits for employer mandated emergency paid sick leave. For more information, click here
Free Federal Filing
If you need the services of a highly qualified tax professional, please contact George Wilmoth, CPA. He is the partner-in-charge of tax services for Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough (HHM). George can be reached via email at gwilmoth@hhmcpas.com, or 423-756-7771.
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There are still a few days left in the "Name that Colon" contest! If you have a fun, creative name for GCCCF's giant, inflatable colon, click here to email and let us know! The deadline for entries is March 31st.
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