Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if identified early through regular screenings. Often known as “the silent killer”, a person may be asymptomatic until the later stages of the disease. One such person was Brian Olson, an HP employee, husband, and father of two young sons who passed away in 2000 at the age of 39.
Wishing to honor Brian’s memory and raise awareness, a group of dedicated friends and HP colleagues spearheaded their first Brian Olson Memorial Golf Classic in 2001. Since then, each year golf enthusiasts play to raise money to benefit patients and cancer care at St. Luke’s. Proceeds have supported the Golf Classic’s mission to raise awareness, education, screenings, and research.
You, too, can support the colorectal cancer screenings, research at St. Luke’s, and the mission of the Brian Olson Golf Classic by giving a gift today.
Colorectal cancer is the number two cause of cancer-related deaths in Idaho. In 2019, 252 Idahoans died and 712 were diagnosed with the disease. The key to prevention is early detection. According to Dr. Dan Zuckerman, St. Luke's Cancer Institute medical oncologist, “Most polyps, or growths, have a 70 percent chance of turning into cancer if they’re not removed.”
A large portion of the tournament proceeds are utilized in providing early detection by providing financially qualifying patients in need with a screening colonoscopy.
An alarming worldwide trend has been noted in colorectal cancer: once considered an “older person’s disease”, the rise of colorectal cancer in those younger than 40 has risen significantly. Idaho is not immune, and St. Luke’s treated nearly 50 patients younger than 40 last year. To begin to understand this trend, St. Luke’s is joining a groundbreaking international research study. More than 17,000 colon cancer patients from around the world will collect and donate blood, stool, and tumor samples for clues into cause and prevention.
A portion of the funds raised at the annual Brian Olson Memorial Golf Classic are being directed toward this research effort by covering the cost of study kits for local patients to participate.
“The opportunity for our small community to be part of this global effort to solve the epidemic of colon and rectal cancers is exciting,” said Rudy Piñon, volunteer event director. “This study, along with the distribution of early detection kits and providing financial assistance for colonoscopies, makes a tangible difference in preventing this disease from devastating another family. That’s what this tournament is all about and that’s what Brian would have wanted.”
Please join the efforts the team hosting the Brian Olson Memorial Golf Classic to support colorectal cancer detection and education. 100% of your gift will support this lifesaving program and research.
