STATEMENT REGARDING THE COLON CANCER CHALLENGE AND COVID-19
Updated as of March 18, 2020
As an organization, the health and safety of our community members, event participants, volunteers, donors and staff is our foremost concern and we hope that you and your family are healthy and unaffected by the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
We are so grateful for your interest in participating in the 17th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge, previously scheduled for March 29th. We are so disappointed that we will not be able to host this event as planned. While this ever evolving situation requires us to adapt, it also gives us the opportunity to innovate.
While registration for the event is closed, we still invite you to raise funds – the website will remain open through the end of the year. We are also exploring technology that will allow us to offer you, your friends and family a virtual option to keep our 17 year old signature event – the Colon Cancer Challenge - and our critical work in the fight against colorectal cancer alive.
COVID-19 does not lessen or change the needs of our community – over 1,000 people will lose their lives to colorectal cancer this week alone. Now, more than ever, people with colorectal cancer and their families need us, and we need your help to achieve our fundraising goals in order to remain laser-focused on our mission – A World Without Colorectal Cancer™.
Although we have the usual disclaimer in our registration materials that registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, we want to offer each Colon Cancer Challenge registrant the following choices:
Whatever you decide, we will be sending out your 2020 Colon Cancer Challenge t-shirt (you’re going to love the year’s design!) in the next few days and we hope you will join us on March 29th at 9:15 am for the virtual Colon Cancer Challenge Opening Ceremony More details to come!
Our hearts are with you and with those families affected by COVID-19 around the world. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to keep everyone’s safety and health at the forefront of our work.
Cindy R. Borassi
Interim President
Colon Cancer Foundation
Last updated March 16, 2020 4:15 pm
Dear Friends,
As we continue to monitor developments regarding COVID-19, we hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.
This situation is evolving daily and will continue to impact our communities in evolving ways. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that we have incredible people like you who are compassionate, resilient, and who consistently give back and pay it forward.
Due to this this morning’s announcements by the Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people we have no choice but to cancel the Colon Cancer Challenge @ Randall’s Island scheduled for March 29th, 2020.
We can’t thank you enough for your hard work on our behalf and the contributions you have already made. As you know Colorectal Cancer doesn’t stop for anyone – not even COVID-19 – and your support will enable us to continue to fight the nation’s second leading form of cancer as we weather this storm.
For those of you who are interested in maintaining the fitness level required for a 2M walk or a 5K we recommend you turn this into an opportunity to join us for a “virtual” walk/run/bike ride” in your neighborhood or community park. (Observing social distancing recommendations of course). More details to follow!
We are also looking into the possibility of rescheduling the Colon Cancer Challenge for the fall. We will keep you posted as opportunities arise to be involved in In-person, live events to support our mission – A World Without Colorectal Cancer™.
In the meantime we encourage you to visit these websites for the most current information and guidance, the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH), the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We also strongly encourage those in our community who are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 to take actions to reduce their risk of getting sick with the disease. For more information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
If you have any questions you can contact the Colon Cancer Foundation by email at info@coloncancerfoundation.org or by phone at 914-305-6674.
Our sincerest wishes for a safe and healthy spring,
Cindy R. Borassi
Interim President
Colon Cancer Foundation