Why We Walk: Barb Hannan, North Aurora

I lost my mom, Carol Voeks, two years ago on July 21, 2013, to stage 4 colon cancer. This is the third year I am doing the Get Your Rear in Gear colon cancer walk, the second year in Elgin.

I now also do this for my colon cancer sister, Becky Johnson, who also lost her mom to the disease. We have been friends since middle school. Is colon cancer that common that we both, in our small circle of friends, can lose our mothers to colon cancer?

My mom was outgoing, generous, fun-loving and full of life; she was also my best friend. I do this walk in honor of her and to carry on her memory and to continue helping others get educated and promote the importance of colon cancer awareness. We knew nothing of colon cancer before she was diagnosed with it weeks before she passed away.

What are the symptoms, what questions should you ask if you're not feeling right, when should you be screened - we knew none of that. Why? Because it's colon cancer, a gross-sounding cancer that no one wants to talk about

It shouldn't be.

With early detection colon cancer is curable - why wouldn't people want to know that?

This walk is a great way to bring attention, awareness and funds to colon cancer. We can talk about it and invite friends and family to talk about it and help raise awareness so that maybe we can help one person get that screening and catch it early enough so that they will be able to live a full life. I wish we had that for our moms.

This year we walk in honor of Carol Voeks and Judy Jack … Two wonderful women, who were great mothers, grandmothers, wives and friends to many people. They live on through us.

Come walk with us and support Colon Cancer; it's not that bad to talk about, really. If you can't join us, please consider donating to the Get Your Rear In Gear- Elgin Run/Walk.