Everyone involved in Get Up There is doing their part to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, which is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer.

Personal trainer Fred Aylward, owner of Fit By Fred in Halifax, has printed his Get Up There pledge form and keeps it plainly visible in the client consult area at his gym. This is just one way he’s gathering up pledges for the Get Up There fundraiser.

Bruce Lusby lost his dad to Colorectal Cancer in 1980 when he was only 10 years old. He has had the easy, routine screening a couple of times and notes the relief he feels knowing he’s all clear.

Judy Robertson had surgery for colorectal cancer in December. She thinks people can easily overlook symptoms and emphasises the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to early detection.

Get Up There is a public awareness movement, fundraiser and event to raise the awareness in Nova Scotia about colorectal cancer. The mission is to raise the awareness for the prevention, and reduce the stigma associated with colorectal screening.

The main event will take place on Feb. 20, when skiers will spend 24 hours (or some part of) skiing, hiking or snowshoeing up to the top of Ski Wentworth. After warming up in the hut, they will ski back down. At least one member of the group will be climbing or descending the hill at all times during the 24-hour event.

Form your own team or join ‘Bob’ Brigade led by our own Mark Gascoigne. ‘Bob’ Gascoigne, was a long time skier at Wentworth who died in September after his short fight with colon cancer. Bob was an avid mountain enthusiast who last skied in February 2008 at Wentworth.

To learn more, visit www.getupthere.ca.

Originally from New Brunswick — though she now considers herself a Haligonian — Lindsey Bunin has a combined honours degree in journalism and political science from the University of King's College. She worked as special features editor for The Daily News until the paper's unfortunate closure in 2008. Some of her other publication credits include The Hill Times, Business Voice, Metro Halifax and The Weekly News. Lindsey came to Trampoline as Online Content Coordinator to lend her talents to our clients’ web content and assist in the development of social media strategy. Some of her clients include The Vault Jewelry, Saint Mary’s University, The Chronicle Herald and Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection. When Lindsey isn't busy writing or editing, she's usually doing something crafty or exploring the great outdoors with her husband.