The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery has been hard at work promoting awareness of GI diseases like Crohn’s, colitis, and colon cancer.
On April 30, the division walked in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF) Take Steps event, which was hosted at the Birmingham Zoo.
Before the walk, the division raised funds for the CCF, who has been a leader in inflammatory bowel disease research since their founding more than 50 years ago. The division has participated in the event for many years and enjoys supporting the cause.
“It is an honor for our team to participate,” said Daniel Chu, M.D., FACS, FASCRS associate professor in the division and leader of the team. “We are advocates for our patients in and outside of the clinic, and we hope to raise even more for the foundation next year.”
Take Steps has brought together more than 430,000 people and raised over $107 million to help further the Foundation's mission. The money raised goes towards breakthrough research, public and professional education, and patient support services in communities across the nation.
In addition to Take Steps, the division hosted a week of free colonoscopies from April 11-15 in partnership with Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis, Alabama.
Director of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery Gregory Kennedy, M.D., Ph.D., notes that Demopolis–and surrounding communities situated in Marengo County– is an ideal arena to bolster awareness of colorectal cancer screenings. With a population of less than 7,000, the rural community could potentially be overlooked for expert cancer screening care.
However, Kennedy said towns like Demopolis and other rural locations across Alabama are exactly where cancer screenings need to occur.
“Rural communities should not be overlooked for holistic health care,” said Kennedy. “Our division is passionate about bringing expert care from an academic medical student to communities across Alabama who many not otherwise have access.”
The joint effort was to raise awareness for colorectal cancer screenings. A blow-up colon as well as decorative tables were lined with goody bags and information pamphlets. Employees and members of the community were able to sign up for a free colonoscopy on the spot.
Over the span of one week, the UAB Division of GI Surgery conducted over 40 free colonoscopies for the community of Demopolis. Fifteen county coordinators and CHAs with the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement worked to promote the event across five counties.
“It was an incredible team effort from our surgeons, administrators, community organizers, nurses, and technicians,” said Kennedy. “I’d especially like to thank our administrators Shelley Wood and Allison Moss for her leadership in organizing the event.”
Whitefield Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Douglas Brewer is delighted by the collaboration across the state of Alabama.
“Access to essential colorectal cancer screening is finally expanding for residents in west Alabama,” said Brewer. “Being able to provide these essential services to a medically-underserved area makes this outreach partnership a success.”
“No doubt lives were saved due to this event,” said Brewer. “Our continuing relationship with UAB allows us to treat patients with many chronic care issues. This was one more example of our joint commitment to care for those most in need in our region.”