In celebration and recognition of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month several groups around the state reported that they offered colonoscopy screening programs for uninsured South Carolinians at no charge to the patient or for a reduced cost. Highlighted here are the programs coordinated and led by SCGA members in Sumter, Charleston and Rock Hill.

Sumter Medical Consultants P. A., Sumter SC
The physicians of Sumter Medical Consultants P.A. (Dr. Kent Cunningham, Dr. T.D. Williams, Dr. Scott McDuffie, and Dr. Floyd Angus) organized and participated in a screening event held in March. Tuomey Healthcare System provided the facilities and supplies without charge and pathologists also donated their time. Sixteen patients, ranging in age from 42-64 were screened during the event. Dr. Cunningham would like to offer a special thanks to the hospital and other volunteers for their recognition of the community’s needs and willingness to take on this project.

Charleston Gastroenterology Center, Charleston SC
Charleston Gastroenterology Center offered colonoscopies to patients in their community who could not otherwise afford this service at no charge to the patients. For the second year in a row, they partnered with referring physicians, anesthesiologists and pathologists to identify and screen eligible patients. This year 22 people were screened, twelve of whom had 1-3 polyps removed. The practice would like to thank all of their referring physicians for help in identifying eligible patients for the screening event. Additionally, thanks go to AP Laboratories, Dr. Tom Carico (pathologist) and Palmetto Anesthesia for donating their time and services for the screening program. The practice is excited that this event has become so successful and hopes to continue their efforts in the years to come.

Pictured L to R: Dr. Lee M. Royall, Dr. Neven Hadzijahic, Dr. Marc D. Noble, Dr. Theodore G. Gourdine, Dr. William Brenre, Dr. R. Sidney G. Smith, Dr. Eddie Irions, and Dr. John K. Corless

York County Endoscopy Center, Rock Hill, SC
York County Endoscopy Center in Rock Hill coordinated and offered a Colon Cancer Screening Day on Saturday, March 19. Eight staff members volunteered their time to work at the event. Dr. Bret Garretson and Dr. Nirav Patel, from Digestive Diseases Associates, also donated their time and skills for this effort.

Patients included in the day were selected by Dr. Hartwell Hildebrand, Physician Director at Palmetto Volunteers in Medicine in Rock Hill. Twelve patients were selected (7 men, 5 women) for colon cancer screenings. Their ages ranged from 53-63. Three of the 12 patients had polyps – all tubular adenomas. However, no cancer was detected.

It was a very relaxed day and all the staff involved had a great time. Staff worked hard to make each participant feel special and an important part of their community and family. In order to reduce anxiety, participants were called on the day before the screening. They were also called on the following Monday to check on their recovery and to thank them for being a part of the screening. Participants were encouraged to share with others how easy and important it is to be screened.

Donations were received from a variety of sources in order to make the day possible. Those donations included:
• Pathology Services – AP Labs (Charleston)
• Patient refreshments – Pentax Medical (Josh Cohn)
• Endoscopic supplies – Boston Scientific (Rob Richardson)
• Breakfast for the staff – Cardinal Health (Becky Swirniak)
• Lunch for the staff – Rayzor’s Edge Network Solutions (Ray Arrington)
• Gift bags for patients and refreshments for the family members/drivers – Coordinated by Patty Tesch
• Prep Kits – Local pharmacy reps

Pictured L ro R: Jackie McCann, Cindy Mills, Angie Funk, Jennifer Benfield, Rana Morris, Valerie Tharp, Ponti Edwards, Laura Seitz and Susan Ordway

On March 1st, Dr. March Seabrook served as the Doctor of the Day for the South Carolina Medical Association at the South Carolina Statehouse. On the day before, Wanda Addy, colon cancer survivor and advocate, hand delivered an SCGA Newsletter and a roll of “Wipe Out Colon Cancer” toilet paper wrapped with a colon cancer prevention messages that was specially designed by Dr. March Seabrook.

Representative Kenny Bingham & Dr. March Seabrook                       Senator Ronnie Cromer & Dr. March Seabrook   

Representative Kenny Bingham, House Majority Leader, introduced Dr. Seabrook in the House of Representatives and referenced this special delivery. Representative Bingham spoke to members of the House about Colon Cancer Awareness Month and reminded them that colon cancer is preventable. He encouraged members to “Get on a Roll” in South Carolina to help us wipe out colon cancer!

The South Carolina Gastroenterology Association partnered with CVS Caremark, the Gibbs Cancer Center, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and the Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina for the second year in a row to implement a public awareness campaign during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this campaign was to build a general public awareness campaign about colon cancer.

Throughout March 2011, 193 CVS stores in South Carolina and approximately 700 stores in Florida were infused with messages about colon cancer prevention and screening through in-store radio announcements, electronic board messages, pharmacy receipt messages and ExtraCare HealthCard messages. SCGA Executive Member, Dr. March Seabrook and colon cancer survivor, Jo Mooney recorded voice-over announcements that were played every hour in the South Carolina stores during the month of March. Similar messages were recorded and played in the Florida stores.

Pictured L to R in the recording studio at Genesis Creative: Sherard Duvall (Genesis Creative), Jo Mooney (colon cancer survivor) and Cliff Springs (Genesis Creative)

Pictured L to R in the recording studio at Genesis Creative: Jo Mooney (colon cancer survivor) and Cliff Springs (Genesis Creative)

In addition to in-store efforts, the message was spread through the CVS website via a web banner/link. The CVS Facebook page included colorectal cancer awareness messages and direct emails were sent to ExtraCare card holders. Through these efforts, it is estimated that this year’s campaign reached over 20 million people nationwide! We look forward to expanding the campaign with our partners in 2012. The SCGA is proud to work with such a committed and dedicated team.

The Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina and the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina collaborated on a colorectal cancer awareness billboard campaign in March 2011. This is the 5th year of the annual awareness campaign. During 2007, 32 billboards were placed around the state, in 2008 there were 114 billboards viewed, and in 2009 and 2010 over 200 billboards were posted throughout South Carolina. In 2011 billboards were placed in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg and Florence. This year’s billboards featured individuals who have worked as colon cancer champions across South Carolina.   Click here to see samples of the 2011 billboards.

The Unmasking Colon Cancer Gala was launched in 2007 by the Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina as an annual fundraising event for colon cancer awareness and research. This year’s Gala was held at Coplon’s in Columbia and internationally know fashion designer and colon cancer survivor, Carmen Marc Valvo, was on hand to present his beautiful designs. Dr. March and Anne Seabrook served as the Chairs of the 2011 Gala Planning Committee. This year there were over 400 people in attendance and over $100,000 was raised for colon cancer awareness, screening and research efforts in South Carolina. Since the start of the Gala, over a quarter million dollars have been raised to support programs in South Carolina to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer across the state. This year a special luncheon featuring Carmen Marc Valvo was held the day before the gala at the Coplon’s in Greenville, SC. A VIP event was held the evening before the gala at the home of the University of South Carolina’s First Family, Dr. Harris and Patricia Pastides.

The 2012 Unmasking Colon Cancer Gala will be held in the Upstate of South Carolina. Dr. Gordon and Melissa France and Dr. Richard and Jean Greer are serving as the Chairs of the 2011 Gala Planning Committee. Details about the date and location for 2012 will be announced here as soon as they are available.

The SCGA held an exciting educational meeting at Lexington Medical Center during the events of the Colon Cancer Gala Weekend. Speakers and topics discussed included:
• Legislative Update - Representative Kenny Bingham, Majority Leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives
• Covered in Blue Update - Dr. Laura Long, VP Clinical Quality and Health Management for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
• Results of a Statewide CRC Survey - Dr. Heather Brandt, USC Arnold School of Public Health
This was the first year that SCGA hosted such a meeting during the Gala weekend and it was a resounding success. In addition to the speakers and SCGA members, Carmen Marc Valvo also joined the meeting as a special guest!

Pictured L to R: Frank Pulice (Carmen Marc Valvo), Dr. Gary Vukov, Dr. Sal Moscatello, Dr. Frank Berger (USC), Dr. Laura Long (BCBSSC), Dr. March Seabrook, Carmen Marc Valvo, Dr. Stephen Bott, Leslie Bott, Dr. Stephen Yarborough, Dr. Richard Greer, Dr. Lou Bell, Dr. Bryan Green and Dr. Gordon France.

 Representative Kenny Bingham provides a Legislative Update to members in attendance.

For the second year in a row, Lexington Medical Center hosted the Colon Cancer Challenge bike ride to increase awareness about colon cancer research and raise funds for colonoscopies. The one-day bicycling event, held on March 26, featured a 65 mile ride, 25 mile ride, and 10 and 5 mile rides. The rides began from Dutch Fork High School in Irmo. There were also fun activities for families throughout the day. Proceeds from the event are used to pay for colonoscopies for patients in Lexington County who are uninsured.

The Colon Cancer Challenge began in 2010 with a grant from the Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina. This year there were 144 riders. To date, 26 people have received colonoscopies with funds from the bike ride. The colonoscopies are performed by the physicians and team with Consultants in Gastroenterology. The pathology for the procedures is provided at no cost to the patients by Lexington Pathology. Lexington Medical Center hopes the Colon Cancer Challenge encourages people to be screened for colon cancer and helps to provide colonoscopy screenings for people in the future.

The Annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Walk, organized by Palmetto Health, is sponsored by Palmetto Health Foundation. This 2-mile event has grown from 80 attendees in 2000, to approximately 600 participants who attended this past March at the 11th Annual event! Forming teams was a big part of this year's success.

The walk was held at Riverfront Park in Columbia and has a dual purpose. First, the walk aims to raise awareness for colorectal cancer by highlighting the importance of early detection through screenings. Second, a portion of the proceeds from the walk provide colorectal cancer screenings for eligible individuals. For more information on the walk, visit www.palmettohealthfoundation.org.

 Dr. Georges Postic and friends participate in the 2011 CRC Awareness Walk!

Pictured L to R: Scottie Dye (Palmetto Health) and Ros Squirewell (Palmetto Health), Founder of the CRC Walk, Colon Cancer Survivor and Advocate

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina organized three “National Walk at Lunch Day” events across the state on April 28, 2011. The events were held in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston. Each event included information on colon cancer awareness and prevention. Walk at Lunch is an annual event, however this was the first time that colon cancer awareness has been incorporated.

As a part of the Greenville event, Gastroenterology Associates of Greenville shared an exhibit table with BCBSSC and the Greenville Drive to distribute information about the Drive Out Colon Cancer events. Dr. Stephen Brackbill and Sabrina Raja, PA from Gastroenterology Associates were on hand to answer questions about colon cancer and digestive disease issues at the event. In Columbia, the University of South Carolina’s WE CAN! Community Outreach staff were available to discuss colon cancer with Walk at Lunch participants.

Pictured L to R: Jeff Chiappini (Greenville Drive), Reedy, Wes Garrett (Gastroenterology Associates) and Emily O'Sullivan (BCBSSC)

Emily O'Sullivan (BCBSSC) and Gastroenterology Associates team members

Eric Davis, former Major League Baseball All Star and colon cancer survivor, visited Greenville during the weekend of April 30-May 1 to help BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and other organizations raise awareness of colon cancer and educate South Carolinians about the importance of screenings and early detection.

“I am living proof that early detection of colon cancer saves lives,” said Davis, now 48. “I hope my experience will inspire others to get screened and to encourage their friends and family members to do the same.”

Davis capped BCBSSC’s “Drive Out Colon Cancer Weekend” by attending the Greenville Drive’s baseball game against the Asheville Tourists at Fluor Field on Sunday, May 1. Davis signed autographs and threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Additionally, he spoke to fans about colon cancer screenings. The Drive wore special blue jerseys and used blue bases for the game.

In addition to Davis, Gastroenterology Associates had six physicians (Dr. Richard Greer, Dr. Richard Zander, Dr. Suzy Kim, Dr. Ahmad Idris, Dr. Michael Kelly, and Dr. Michael Rickoff) and seven other staff (Sabrina Raja, Brantley Erkes, Chandler Hunt, Melissa Maughon, Kelly Kuchar, Ellen Norman, and Lisa Gantt) on hand to answer questions and distribute information about colon cancer.

Davis played with the Cincinnati Reds and five other teams during a 17-year Major League career that included the 1990 World Series championship. His career was interrupted when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997, but he was treated successfully and returned to baseball.

The SCGA, the Gibbs Cancer Center, the Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System participated in the weekend events, along with BCBSSC, Gastroenterology Associates, the American Cancer Society and the Greenville Drive.

“We appreciate so much what Eric Davis has done for colon cancer research and education through his foundation and we are excited to have him in Greenville for our Drive Out Colon Cancer Weekend,” said Dr. Laura Long, BCBSSC’s Vice President of Clinical Quality and Health Management.

In an effort to promote awareness about Colon Cancer, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, the Center for Colon Cancer Research, the American Cancer Society, the Gibbs Cancer Center and Gastroenterology Associates sponsored a “Shop Talk to Drive Out Colon Cancer” family fun event at Long Branch Baptist Church in Greenville on April 30. As a part of the event, former major league baseball player Eric Davis was on hand to speak to the attendees about his experience with colon cancer. Dr. Richard Greer also spoke to the group and answered questions from the audience about GI issues, etc. In addition to colon cancer awareness efforts, the event also included free haircuts by local barbers and stylists, events for children, and live music.

Gastroenterology Associates had eight physicians (Dr. Richard Greer, Dr. Joseph LeBel, Dr. David Palma, Dr. Stephen Yarborough, Dr. Judith Spivey, Dr. Michael Kelly, Dr. Richard Zander, and Dr. Ahmad Idris) and seven other staff (Vonnie Horr, Karen Suggs, Kia Craig, Colleen Thompson-Darby, Ceasera Foster, Jacinda Rogers, and Alice Austin) on hand at the event to answer GI questions, one-on-one, in a private room. They also had schedulers in the office working (on a Saturday!) so that they could schedule patients on the spot if they qualified for their open access program.

As a result of the event, sixteen people were scheduled for a colonoscopy. Of those sixteen, 4 have already had their colonoscopies, 5 have colonoscopies scheduled within the coming weeks and 1 was advised to wait one year and placed in surveillance. The remaining six people cancelled their colonoscopies for various reasons. However, the staff of Gastroenterology Associates is working with those people to get them rescheduled and ensure that they understand the importance of following through with the screening.

The event turned out to be one of the most impressive colon cancer outreach efforts ever offered in South Carolina. Gastroenterology Associates and all those involved in the day did an amazing job!

JoEllen DeLuca, Executive Director of Colon Cancer Solutions and colon cancer survivor and champion coordinated a Walk/Run to benefit the fight against colon cancer in South Carolina.  The event was held on August 27, 2011 at Duncan Park in Spartanburg.  For more information on this event, contact JoEllen DeLuca at joellen132@bellsouth.net.

Pictured L to R: Dr. James Bearden (Gibbs Cancer Center), Beverly Henson (Gibbs Cancer Center), Dr. George Blestel, JoEllen DeLuca and Congressman Trey Gowdy.

Dr. Gordon and Melissa France