VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Hundreds of people gathered outside Sentara Princess Anne Hospital Saturday morning for the Don’t Sit on Colon Cancer 5k.
Survivors and loved ones of those currently fighting colon cancer were there to help raise awareness. Samantha Sabater showed up for her late father, who put up a long fight with cancer.
“Fortunately, we got to do two races with our dad,” she said. “But this is our first year without him.”
After watching her dad fight his diagnosis, Sabater has a mission – to bring awareness to colon cancer in his memory.
“It still feels like he’s here,” she said. “I think my purpose now is to spread the word so people know this is out there and it’s real.”
It was real for Peter Votaw, who was diagnosed in his twenties.
“They found the mass, did the biopsies and found out it was cancer,” he explained.
He had his colon removed and is now cancer free. Cece Quarles is Votaw’s girlfriend. Following his cancer battle, they’re able to focus on more positive news.
“We’re expecting a bundle of joy,” said Quarles with a smile. “Our baby girl Tessa, in three months on July 1st.”
From surviving colon cancer to becoming a dad, life moves fast. Although today was a race of its own, the happy couple and Sabater say it’s all about prevention and detection awareness.
“Colon cancer sits in you for a while,” said Votaw. “When you get symptoms, it could be too late. So, if this could help then why not?”