Charlotte, NC—The sun was just rising on the early March morning at Independence Park, but people were already shedding their coats in favor of black T-shirts inscribed with Blue Ribbon Warriors and Go Fight Win. A M King employees mixed easily with the team, moving closer to the center of a cluster of racers to get their packets for the 10th Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5k.—the largest colon cancer-focused event series in the country with 40 different events. And there was Jane Gray Boland, A M King Marketing Director, mom, wife, sibling and survivor, there to offer hope and inspiration to those battling this merciless disease.
Jane, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer nearly five years ago, has endured 90 rounds of chemotherapy. She has persevered with stellar care from her doctors and nurses at Levine Cancer Institute, unflagging support from family and friends, and a heavy dose of positive attitude. This year, with her coworkers assembled and cheering, her tireless efforts to instill awareness about colorectal cancer, were recognized by the Colon Cancer Coalition, and she was presented with the Sue Falco Determination Award.
When asked about her journey, Jane says, “I’m so thankful to have such a strong community of support whether it is at home, work, or otherwise. This army of supporters inspires me to keep going every day and helps to spread awareness about this disease … today colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. We need to stop this disease in its tracks … this cancer can be prevented or cured through early detection.”
A M King was proud to sponsor its participating employees in Get Your Rear in Gear and contribute to the $4,892 raised by the Blue Ribbon Warriors. Funds raised by the 2,300 participants in Charlotte will help support local screenings and programs for survivors, their families and caregivers. This year the Charlotte community far surpassed its goal of $150,000 and raised $236,175for colon cancer programs.
“Wow, that’s all I can say about A M King,” says Christie Lockhart, Colon Cancer Coalition National Event Director. “What an incredible company with so much support around employees and giving back.”
While this is the second year A M King has supported Get Your Rear in Gear, the firm has a history of community engagement throughout the year. Currently the company’s employees are busy planning to participate in the 24 Foundation’s 24 Hours of Booty, a charity cycling event that raises funds for cancer research and programs. Fill-the-Truck takes place just one month later and benefits A M King’s partner school, Starmount Academy of Excellence.
A M King has long-standing relationships with both the Ronald McDonald Houses (RMC) of Charlotte and Baltimore, as well as the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte and Greenville, SC. Whether it’s clay shooting at RMC’s Red Shoe Shootout or buying Christmas gifts for nearly 150 Salvation Army Angel Tree Program children, A M King employees are there, hard hats, warm hearts and all.
