SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – It was a chilly day for runners and walkers, but the March 23 “Boxer Rebellion Against Colon Cancer” 5K fun run/walk paid off for the Festival of Hope.

The event, which was organized to support colon cancer awareness, raised $891. The proceeds will be used by the Festival of Hope to help patients with non-medical expenses as they go through cancer treatment.

Nearly 80 runners came from as far away as Colorado to participate in the 5K fun run/walk, which was sponsored by the Regional West Endoscopy Department, Regional West Community Health, and the Scotts Bluff County Health Department.

“We are very grateful to those who organized and participated in the ‘Boxer Rebellion.’ I thank everyone for their efforts, on behalf of those who will benefit from this donation,” said Vincent Bjorling, MD, a Festival of Hope Advisory Board member.

The Festival of Hope is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help regional cancer patients with non-medical expenses related to their cancer care and treatment.

The 2013 Festival of Hope will be held June 15 at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds in Mitchell, Neb. For more information, visit www.festivalofhope.net.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.