SEATTLE — More than 600 people gathered at Gas Works Park on Saturday morning for Seattle’s first Walk to End Colon Cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. with more than 50,000 people in the country dying of the disease each year, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
“I’m a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor myself and I was diagnosed in 2019,” said Brianna Merker, chair of the Seattle Walk to End Colon Cancer. “After finishing treatment I wanted to figure out a way to raise more awareness so that folks don’t have to go through what I went through.”
Merker says she was inspired to bring the event to Seattle after she and her family participated in the Portland Walk to End Colon Cancer.
Saturday’s event raised over $100,000, substantially more than the organizers’ original goal of $50,000.
“I’m absolutely in awe … never in my wildest dreams did I think that our first walk would bring this much of a wave of support from the community,” said Merker. “I’m just thrilled with the response and support and all these people out here walking loud, raising awareness to end colorectal cancer.”
Funds raised through the event will support the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, a national nonprofit that supports the needs of patients, families, caregivers, and survivors; raises awareness and preventive screening; and funds research to end the disease.
Those who wish to donate can do so by clicking this link.
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