A vibrant community scene at Rock Hill High School's Blue Out event.
Rock Hill High School is rallying the community for a ‘Blue Out’ event to raise awareness for colon cancer. This initiative honors Candy Joldersma, a stage 4 cancer patient, and aims to create a comforting outdoor space for her family. With March being National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the event emphasizes the importance of early screenings and community support. Students and parents are encouraged to participate, wearing blue and coming together for a cause that impacts many families.
March is not just about the first signs of spring; it’s also National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This year, Rock Hill is stepping up to shine a light on the importance of early screening with a heartfelt initiative that promises not just to raise awareness, but also to bring the community together in a remarkable way.
Among those leading the charge is a local resident, Connor Wentling, who recently had a colonoscopy that revealed a polyp in his colon, a situation that could have turned serious without timely intervention. It’s easy to brush off medical exams, but Connor’s situation serves as a testament to why everybody should schedule their colon cancer screenings without delay. In fact, the recommended age for the first screening was changed from 50 to 45 in 2021, underscoring the rising need for vigilance in younger adults. This change acknowledges that one-third of Americans develop polyps by age 45, with alarming numbers on the rise among younger populations due to lifestyle choices like smoking and unhealthy diets.
Undergoing a colonoscopy is a relatively straightforward procedure that only takes about 30 minutes and is performed while the patient is unconscious. Medical professionals have highlighted the fact that untreated polyps can become cancerous in just a few years. As many polyps go unnoticed because they often show no symptoms, regular screenings every five to ten years are strongly recommended. If you’re unsure whether you need to schedule an appointment, Piedmont Medical Center offers an online assessment to help determine your next steps.
In addition to traditional screening methods, the Shield Blood Test for colon cancer screening offers an alternative, although it should not replace a colonoscopy. Approved for adults aged 45 and older, this test can sometimes lead to delays in necessary follow-ups if the results are misinterpreted. While the test costs around $800 and is not currently covered by insurance, it’s expected to become more accessible in the next few years.
But much closer to home, community members are uniting for a special cause. Rock Hill High School senior and volleyball team leader Pippin Joldersma is stepping up to support her mother, Candy Joldersma, who is bravely battling stage 4 colon cancer. To honor her mother and raise funds, Rock Hill High is organizing a “Blue Out” event during an upcoming game against Catawba Ridge. This is not just an ordinary game night; the event aims to bring the community together for a cause that hits close to home for many families.
The goal of the Blue Out event is to create “Candy’s Garden,” a comfortable patio space for the Joldersma family to gather, reflecting their love and support in a meaningful way. As community members and fellow students come together to support Pippin and her family, parents like Kathy Sambuco emphasize the importance of this initiative in bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most.
As March rolls on and National Colon Cancer Awareness Month continues, the importance of education, screening, and community support can’t be overstated. Whether you’re a student gearing up for a lively game night or a parent considering your next medical appointment, it’s vital to remember that early detection can save lives. So, come out, wear your blue, and let’s raise awareness — not just for Candy but for everyone affected by this disease. Join Rock Hill in standing up against colon cancer and make it an event to remember!
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