Colon Cancer Prevention Project

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Chief Mark Furnish

The Colon Cancer Prevention Project is honored to welcome Chief Mark Furnish as our keynote speaker at the 2026 Kicking Butt 5K in support of the Bruce DeArk First Responders Education Program.

Chief Furnish was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 during his very first colonoscopy at age 59. His decision to get screened was influenced by the diagnosis of fellow firefighter Bruce DeArk and the encouragement of his wife, Janna. Because he took action, Mark was able to catch his cancer early and is now proudly cancer-free.

As Chief of the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department, Mark has dedicated 44 years to serving and protecting his community. Today, he shares his story to encourage everyone—especially fellow first responders—to prioritize their health and get screened. Mark and his wife, Janna, are proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to two grandchildren.

Mark's story reflects the mission of the Bruce DeArk First Responders Education Program, which was created to honor Bruce's dedication to protecting those at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Through this program, first responders receive education about their elevated cancer risks and the importance of prevention and early detection.

This year's event also celebrates the expansion of the Colon Cancer Prevention Project's services into Southern Indiana through an incredible partnership with the Clark County Health Department. Together, we are increasing access to colorectal cancer education, screening navigation, transportation assistance, and lifesaving colonoscopies for those who need them most.

Join us as we celebrate survivors, honor heroes like Bruce DeArk, and continue the fight to prevent colorectal cancer—because when cancer is found early, lives are saved.

Assemble your squad, or just join ours! Register today https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/KickingButtforColonCancer

This Mother’s Day, do what your mother taught you to do: ask awkward questions because you care.

Specifically, ask about her butt.

Has she had her colonoscopy? Does she know her family history? Is she ignoring symptoms because she’s too busy taking care of literally everyone else first?

Honestly, moms spent years asking us questions far more invasive than this. Consider it payback.

Buy the flowers. Call your mom. Then gently derail the conversation with preventative healthcare.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with on-time screening.

We need YOU.

Our Colonoscopy Transportation Program is growing fast—and we need volunteers to keep up. Right now, people are missing life-saving screenings because they don’t have a ride. That’s a barrier we can fix together.

If you’ve got a little time and a big heart, this is your moment.

Help us get people to the screenings that can save their lives.

Jump in: [email protected]