Father and Son Hosting Hikes 2,000 Miles Apart for Cancer Awareness
Dwayne Coleman’s favorite way to spend time with his son, Michael, is hiking and exploring the outdoors. Last December, Coleman was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) at age 55. Now a cancer survivor, Coleman, and his son are working to support others fighting cancer by hosting two of the 10 Climb for a Cure events.
Climb for a Cure, hosted by the national advocacy organization Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), is a national event of 10 community climbs across the U.S. The goal is to empower and inspire cancer survivors while raising money for patient support and CRC research. Coleman will be hosting a hike to the summit of the Priest near Tyro, Va., on August 22 as part of the event.
According to a press release, Coleman’s goal for the event is to “come together as a community to support anyone who has not only been affected by colorectal cancer but all cancers.”
Across the country, more than 2,000 miles away, Michael will be hosting a community climb in Bozeman, Montana, to not only honor his father’s fight with cancer but also feel more connected to him while living so far away.
“Each step, drop of sweat, and achy muscle will help fuel cutting-edge research, lifesaving awareness, and relentless advocacy,” Fight CRC states on their website. “For many, colorectal cancer is the biggest mountain they will ever face.”
This year marks the sixth year of Climb for a Cure, after it was started by four Fight CRC advocates in 2015. People can support the cause by donating, spreading awareness, joining one of the local hikes, or starting one of their own. As of now, there are three local hikes in our region, including Burnsville, N.C., East Norriton, Pa., and Coleman’s climb in Tyro, Va.
“I am participating in Climb for a Cure as a way to prove to myself and others that I’m not going to let my diagnoses stop me from living my life to the fullest,” said Coleman.
Learn more about Climb for a Cure at their website here.
