Temecula family to host colon cancer fundraiser Saturday

A fundraising 5K run to benefit the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition is set for Saturday in Temecula, organizers announced.

The Run 4 Life: A Colon Cancer AWaReness 5K has partnered with the Colon Cancer Coalition to organize the “Get Your Rear in Gear” Temecula 5k Run/Walk, which is scheduled to begin with registration at 7 a.m. and an opening ceremony at 7:45. The location is the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard, 34225 Rancho California Road.

The event will feature remarks from colon cancer survivors and health care providers, educational booths and information on colon cancer prevention and support resources.

The 5K event is how Temecula resident and event organizer Kristin Robinson continues her father’s battle against the world’s second-deadliest cancer. In addition to fundraising, the event is intended to raise awareness and promote cancer screening.

In 2022, Riverside County native Alonzo W. Robinson died just days before his 60th birthday after a battle with colorectal cancer.

“Sadly, the incidence of colorectal cancer in relatively younger patients is rising at an alarming rate,” according to event organizers.

The Colon Cancer Coalition for the “Get Your Rear in Gear” Temecula 5k Run/Walk.

“My dad’s legacy continues to live on through his family,” Robinson said in a statement. “Our goal is to be a voice for those who aren’t here with us today, a voice for the caregivers, and a voice for all those impacted by colon cancer.”

Donations received remain in the local community and go toward helping the Colon Cancer Coalition remove impediments to screening for under- and uninsured patients, “educate the public about early detection and screening, reduce financial burdens for patients, and fund research to help fight and end colon cancer,” event organizers said.

Last year, Robinson’s event raised more than $3,000 for the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition, according to event organizers.