Theft of giant inflatable colon in Kansas City spurs donation drive for replacement

There’s nothing funny about colon cancer.

But stealing a giant inflatable replica of a colon? That kind of humor resonates around the world.

The story of the 10-foot long model that was pilfered by criminals in Kansas City has reached an international audience, according to Stacie Moody, local events coordinator for Get Your Rear in Gear - Kansas City.

And while the group is disappointed that its $4,000 colon was stolen, it couldn’t have asked for more publicity.

“It’s the silver lining,” said Moody. “A lot of people are talking about it.”

And that is the whole purpose of the item, which is used to educate people and to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.

The colon was stored in a plastic bin and was taken from the bed of a pickup truck parked in the Brookside area of Kansas City.

Moody said she thinks whoever took it had no idea what it was.

And once they found out, they probably ditched it somewhere.

“There’s probably not much of a black market for a giant inflatable colon,” she said.

An effort is now under way to raise the $4,000 needed to replace the item.

Anyone interested in donating can go online to coloncancercoalition.org/stolencolon.

If the original colon is recovered, Moody said, any money raised will be used to fund colon cancer awareness and education efforts.

“We’re still hopeful it will be found,” Moody said.