Independent Record - 11/10/07

ExplorationWorks is offering the chance to take a sight-seeing trip through a "colossal colon" this weekend while soaking up some potentially life-saving information.

The traveling Colossal Colon exhibit, which ends Sunday, features a 40-foot long, 4-foot tall, crawl-through replica of the human colon.

It includes examples of healthy colon tissue, several non-cancerous diseases of the colon, polyps and various stages of colorectal cancer. The exhibit also features displays and interactive learning experiences related to digestive health, colorectal cancer prevention and symptoms.

The exhibit was brought to Helena by Friends Against Cancer, Inc. in partnership with ExplorationWorks and St. Peter's Hospital.

Friends Against Cancer, Inc. was formed after Tracy Donaldson of Helena was diagnosed with rectal cancer in October 2005.

A 38-year-old mother of two, Donaldson led an active lifestyle and was shocked to learn of her diagnosis.

"When I was diagnosed, I didn't even know what colon or rectal cancer was," she said. "Prior to diagnosis I had been experiencing some problems which, had I been aware, would probably have fit the definition of classic symptoms of colorectal cancer.

"I share my story in the hope that my experience might help someone else avoid going through what I have been faced with over the past two years. Treatment for colorectal cancer is rough; but the real nightmare is the thought of my little boys growing up without their mom."

A circle of Donaldson's friends organized Friends Against Cancer, Inc., to help Tracy share her story.

Annie Adams, a genetic counselor at Shodair hospital, and Liz Gundersen, a teacher at ExplorationWorks, were hoping to bring the Colossal Colon to the Helena museum, and Friends Against Cancer Inc. began raising money. They raised a total of $9,000 to bring the exhibit to town.

After chemotherapy, radiation and a second surgery in 2006, Donaldson is recovering. She has returned to being a full-time mother and will celebrate her 40th birthday, as well as two years as a cancer survivor, during the Colossal Colon's visit to Helena.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the exhibit will feature family programming, including a 20-minute program about fruits and vegetables at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. At noon and 2 p.m., Polly Polyp, EneMan and Mr. Endescope will make an appearance. Sunday at 4 p.m., there will be a ceremony for those who wish to honor survivors or remember victims of colorectal cancer.