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Doing More for the Community
By More information about Marty's fund & Colon Cancer Alliance Published: 02/20/2009
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and one local Tri-Cities restaurant is doing more to help prevent this disease.
Magill’s Restaurant in Pasco, Wa doesn’t just serve food, they are doing everything they can to raise awareness and funds to battle a very preventable cancer, as well as spread awareness.
Marty Martin, co-founder of Magill’s, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on May 1, 2007 at the age of 44. Shortly after his diagnosis, his younger brother, Darren, was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. On May 15th 2008, Marty lost his courageous fight.
Darren Martin, owner of Magill’s Restaurant, was 41 when he was diagnosed. His doctors said he had probably had cancer for 14 to 15 years before diagnosis. “It’s a silent killer!” declared Mr. Martin, “In my case it is a genetic condition. Marty and I just got a bad gene. But diet and lifestyle can also play a role in developing colon cancer; people need to be made aware.”
“I had on and off stomach cramps for 3 to 4 years that I ignored,” admitted Mr. Martin, “Then when my brother, Marty, was diagnosed. I got checked and lo and behold, six weeks after Marty’s diagnoses I was fighting cancer, too.”
According to the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), one in every 18 people will be diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. “It is the # 2 killer in the US, for both men and women, and no one talks about it,” Darren said. “The scary part is how it is affecting young women. I just read a story the other day on the CCA website about a 14 year old girl…14 years old! People need to become aware that a colonoscopy can save their life.”
The Martin family, who has been stricken twice by this deadly disease, has made a commitment to raise money for research to battle colon cancer, as well as spread awareness about this and other types of cancer.
Every Tuesday, Magill’s, will donate a portion of all sales to the Colon Cancer Alliance, care of Marty’s Fund. Magill’s is also selling Blue Ribbon Tribute pins ($5) to raise support, all proceeds go to CCA. Their goal is to raise $5000.
“I will even go a step further,” promised Darren, “if any customer brings in their paperwork signed by a doctor proving they have had a colonoscopy in the past 3 months, I will buy their entrée! I will go to great lengths to encourage people to get tested, it’s that important!” exclaimed Darren.
Since his diagnoses and the remission of his cancer, Darren still gets routine colonoscopies. “I have been thru the procedure several times. It’s not horrible.” He explains, “It’s 24 hours of discomfort, which could mean living the rest of your life.”
Early detection is everything. Colorectal Cancer is 90% preventable when detected early. It often has no symptom at all until it’s in advanced stages, like in Marty’s case. You can reduce your risk through regular screening. Beginning at age 50 (or earlier if you have a family history), everyone should be screened for colorectal cancer.
Darren is currently cancer free and working to make the family business a success, in honor of his big brother, Marty. During his lifetime, Marty owned the Francisco’s Restaurants, as well as several other local establishments. He proudly assisted in the opening of Magill’s just two months prior to his death, providing his “expert” advice.
Magill’s will be celebrating its First Anniversary the first week of March. Coincidently, CCA’s annual Dress in Blue Day, to promote awareness about colorectal cancer and encourage people to get screened is Friday, March 6th. Keep a look out for Magill’s anniversary promotions and events, commemorating the legacy that Marty left behind and the future that lies ahead.
Want more? Ask for TasteTriCities.com
magills-restaurant-pasco-colon-cancerLocal Tri-Cities restaurant, Magill's is doing more for the community to raise colon cancer awareness.
