Fitness Challenge Elevates Awareness of Colon Cancer Prevention

9th Annual Rhonda’s Burpee Challenge

On Sunday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., CrossFit Hydro will host the 9th annual Rhonda’s Burpee Challenge, where teams of two complete 224 burpees in 20 minutes to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer prevention.

“Each year, it is incredible to see the community take action to raise awareness of such an important cause—colon cancer screening and prevention. Unfortunately, colon cancer often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage and more difficult to overcome. We hope every burpee we do helps at least one person avoid going through the heartache and pain of a colon cancer diagnosis,” said event organizer and CrossFit Hydro owner Justin VanBeek. 

VanBeek encourages people to register online at coloncancertaskforce.org/rhondas-challenge and recommends sharing the full-body calisthenic workout as a team with a friend or family member. The cost is $75 per team of two. Each participant is assigned a 20-minute time slot for the challenge and receives an event t-shirt. There also is an option to make a voluntary monetary donation to support the cause without participating in the burpee aspect of the challenge. 

“My mother, Rhonda, was 56 when she passed away. She battled colon cancer for four years. The 224 burpees are in memory of her and everyone we have lost and in support of those currently fighting,” said VanBeek.

All event proceeds and donations go to the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to the awareness of colon cancer prevention and early detection. 

Rhonda’s Burpee Challenge has raised more than $62,000 in donations for colon cancer education, early detection, and prevention efforts in Nebraska.