Gerritsen Beach’s Dan Foster Honored For Cancer-Related Fundraising Efforts

Borough President Eric Adams honored Gerritsen Beach resident Dan Foster, a colorectal cancer survivor who has raised more than $185,000 for various cancer organizations, during a ceremony at Borough Hall this morning.

Foster, a 19-year cancer survivor, is the founder of Dan’s 5K Fun Run, an annual event in Gerritsen Beach that has raised thousands of dollars for colorectal cancer research and other causes in its 13-year history. Each year’s event is dedicated to the memory of someone from the community, with the money steeered towards the organization of the family’s choice.

The beep’s staff wore blue for the event in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness month, and Adam’s announced that Brooklyn Borough Hall will be lit in blue Saturday night to raise awareness among Brooklynites.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among cancers affecting both men and women. About 140,000 Americans are diagnosed every year. In New York City, it kills approximately 1,400 people each year, according to the New York Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition.

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable through early detection, done through regular screenings beginning at age 50, with colonoscopies recommended at least once every 10 years.

Health and Hospitals Corporation, the public hospital network that includes Coney Island Hospital (2601 Ocean Pakrway), is pushing to break the stigma around colon cancer screenings and make the procedure a routine part of preventative healthcare.

“Colon cancer is a silent killer, and while there is greater awareness presently of colon cancer screening in Brooklyn we must continue to get the message out,” said Dr. Francis Steinheber, director of Gastroenterology at Coney Island Hospital, via press release. “There are many reasons to get a colonoscopy. Don’t be scared and don’t put it off.