Undy 5000.

For a while, we have been in search of a race to benefit colon cancer, a disease that both Jami's grandmother and mother have battled. There are races supporting so many worthwhile causes, but we could never find one to benefit this cause that's near and dear to our family. Until now...

And so begins the story of the Undy 5000. (Clever name, eh?) The Undy 5000 is a 5000 meter (5K) walk/run to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Participants are encouraged to draw attention to their bottoms—and colorectal cancer—by participating in their underwear. Most people interpret this as wearing boxer shorts over their running shorts, and every participant receives a pair of boxers (instead of the usual race t-shirt.) This race is one of a series of 5 brand new races across the US being sponsored by the Colon Cancer Alliance.

This morning we loaded up the family and headed to Denver's City Park. This 1st time event had a fantastic start with nearly 1,000 participants ... such a GREAT turn-out for an inaugural event! The best part was the incredible spirit of people coming together to walk/jog/run in honor of loved ones and in the quest to raise awareness about colon cancer. As Jami ran (and Scott and the boys cheered her on), there were several emotional moments considering how this disease has impacted our family ... but also a feeling of hope that perhaps by raising awareness we can better face this disease with more preventive measures like early screening.

Jami & the boys before the race by the lake at City Park.

What a beautiful morning for a 5K!

Jami sported this "tattoo" as a tribute to running

the race for Mom & Grandma Ruby!

The Super Colon was a great educational tool

for explaining colon cancer to the boys. You could

walk through this exhibit (a large inflatable colon)

and learn about the various stages of disease.

Our Denver friends Joe, Mary Fran & Cullen ventured out

to the race, too. Such great fans to cheer on Jami! Thank you!!

Reid and Baby Cullen ... blue-eyed boys!

One more note: Since Jami's mom was diagnosed with colon cancer more than 10 years ago, we have seen her face cancer with such amazing courage. There are many lessons to be learned from loving a family member with cancer. Perhaps the greatest lesson we have taken from this journey is to enjoy each and every day of life ... the small moments and the big milestones. Cancer has shown us a path in life with some detours we didn't anticipate, but together we have found a perspective that graces our lives with even more meaning.