VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds football team is getting behind BC Lions' legend Lui Passaglia, literally. In conjunction with Royal Columbian Hospital and the Jack Gin Foundation, Passaglia and the 'Birds are helping to raise awareness and prevent colorectal cancers, the third most common cancers diagnosed amongst men and women.
The CFL Hall of Famer was out at Thunderbird stadium with three members of the Thunderbirds taking a series of 'cheeky' photos. The photos will be used in a campaign for raising money to purchase a new pediatric colonoscope for Royal Columbian Hospital's GI Clinic.
"It's awesome to give back to the community and give back to people who really don't know a lot about colon cancer," says UBC's All-Canadian defensive back
Stavros Katsantonis. "If you catch it at an early age it can be eradicated from your body."
Lui was diagnosed in 2013 and subsequently treated for stage three colon cancer. He's now hoping others will recognize how regular screening can save lives.
"Treatment nowadays is pretty good," says Lui. "I'm a fourth year survivor. I trusted my doctors and I'm still here today."
The Thunderbirds were quick to recognize the important part their derrieres are playing in helping raise awareness.
"There's definitely a bit of a stigma around it, especially with guys, because you have to talk about your private parts, your butt," says Thunderbird
Malcom Lee. "It's definitely good to catch it early and get rid of it. It's preventable for sure."
"It's great to see the three UBC Thunderbird kids here helping out," says Lui. "It just goes to show there is more to all of us than just our everyday lives. They gave up their time and should be commended for that. Good on them."
Here is how you can 'Get Behind Lui':
Donate to the Royal Columbian Hospital's 'Get Behind Lui' campaign here.
Get Behind Lui today, and the next $25,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Jack Gin Foundation. Our $50,000 goal will help purchase a pediatric colonoscope for the hospital's GI Clinic. The pediatric colonoscope is thinner and more flexible than a regular colonoscope and can be a better choice for some adults.
- with files from Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation
