Local Cancer Survivors to Give Back at Scope for Hope Charity Event

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Shortly after Larry Mickley, 76, was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2004, he felt compelled to start a support group to help others with colorectal cancer in Fort Myers, Fla.

Only two people showed up for the first meeting. Not to be discouraged, the former Payless ShoeSource President continued posting flyers, believing if he can help just one person, he has at least done something to make a difference.

Now, Mickley has helped over two hundred colorectal cancer patients and their families. He is proud to support the 21^st Century C.A.R.E. foundation’s 4^th Annual Scope for Hope Run/Walk, benefiting colorectal cancer patients, on March 29, 2014 at 8 a.m. at Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

“I’m a major proponent of early detection; it’s why I’m still here today,” Mickley says. “Scope for Hope is such a wonderful event because it raises funds for the 21^st Century C.A.R.E. foundation to help people who can’t afford screening for cancer.”

Thomas Hayes, 58, will also be attending Scope for Hope this year. Hayes was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June 2012 after a routine check-up came back abnormal. With the help of a grant, Hayes received a colonoscopy that revealed a malignant tumor.

“If it wasn’t for the help I received in getting the colonoscopy, my cancer may have not been discovered,” Hayes says. “I’m glad to be able to talk to my kids everyday, it’s really the best thing any man could ask for.”

Mickley and Hayes will both be attending Scope for Hope for similar reasons.

Hayes, whose wife passed away from cancer in 1995, says, “I want to give back to the people that have helped me.”

“Screening for colorectal cancer can save lives,” Mickley says. “Early detection is key and Scope for Hope raises funds to provide lifesaving cancer screenings to those who may not be able to afford it otherwise.”

The goal of the Scope for Hope Run/Walk is to raise funds and erase the stigma behind colorectal cancer, coinciding with Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, observed in March. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the country.

21^st Century C.A.R.E. foundation is a Ft. Myers-based nonprofit organization that provides support and assistance to cancer patients in need. All of the funds from the event will remain in Southwest Florida and will be used for colorectal cancer screening, treatment and follow-up care, financial assistance for colorectal cancer patients in need, and educational programs related to colorectal cancer.

To register for Scope for Hope, visit www.21stCenturyCARE.org.

For more information about Scope for Hope, visit the event page: http://21stcenturycare.kintera.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=1074715&lis=1&kntae1074715=2E0004AA736D4A6690D2385081424D80

21^st Century Oncology is a platinum sponsor for Scope for Hope.

About 21^st Century Oncology:

21^st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 179 treatment centers, including 145 centers located in 16 U.S. states. The company also operates 34 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.