Honoring David Graham: The 2026 Get Up There Challenge

We are once again fundraising for the Get Up There (GUT) challenge in memory of our dad, David Graham. This October marks five years since Dad passed away from colon cancer, just four months after his diagnosis in 2021. Our family and friends understand the vital importance of screening to prevent this awful disease, and we are dedicated to raising awareness and funding for this fantastic effort in his honor.

Dad was truly the best guy there was. He would always go out of his way to help his family, friends, students, and community. He was a man of action—always giving and spreading smiles, laughter, and kindness wherever he went. We want to support this very important cause just as he would have done.

Since 2023, your support has been incredible. Together, 515 contributors have raised over $31,000 in Dad’s name—from our record-breaking $12,000 in 2023 (201 donors) to $8,435 in 2024 (142 donors) and $10,615 last year (172 donors). This year, I’m bringing even more friends and family to keep this momentum going in the fight against colorectal cancer!

Campaign Message:

Every day, one Nova Scotian dies from a disease that is 90% preventable: colorectal cancer.

More than 100 incredible community members Get Up There every year to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Funds raised through GUT outfitted a third Endoscopy Suite at Dartmouth General Hospital, used exclusively for screening FIT-positive (Fecal Immunochemical Test) patients, effectively eliminating the waiting list for these individuals.

Since then, GUT funds have supported a public education and awareness effort aimed at encouraging more individuals to complete and return their FIT tests. Currently, only 45% of individuals who receive the kit complete and return it. Early detection is the best weapon we have to fight colorectal cancer. Join us - together, we can make a difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xAF1KRLi_g