Adventist La Grange Employee Raises $25K for New Cancer Institute

The following is a press release provided by Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital:

Colon cancer does not discriminate based on age, race or gender. As the Director of Medical Surgical Services at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Candice Washilewski knows this all too well.

“I see patients who’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer everyday” said Washilewski, who’s worked at the hospital for five years. “There’s a family history, too. My father is a survivor and my grandfather had it. Raising awareness is near and dear to my heart.”

In 2010, Washilewski teamed up with the Colon Cancer Coalition out of Minneapolis to bring their 5k race to the Chicago area. This year, she donated $25,000 of the proceeds from the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k Run/Walk to the new Adventist Cancer Institute.

“I was selective in where I wanted the money to go,” said Washilewski. “I wanted to make sure it was going toward educating patients properly on colon cancer awareness, and that funds were being distributed to patients that don’t have the funds to have a colonoscopy.”

This year’s race saw about 800 participants. Of the money raised at the event, 75 percent goes back into the community and the remainder is used to fund more races and events.

“Candice is an inspiring leader,” said Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital CEO Lary Davis. “We are awestruck and humbled by her commitment to giving back to the community.”

To learn more about Get Your Rear in Gear and how you can help, visit www.getyourrearingear.com.