Lexington families who wander the neighborhood this weekend will see something far scarier than ghosts or skeletons: a massive inflatable colon dubbed “McColon Caulkin.” The 10‑by‑13‑foot display, set up in front of Alex Herring’s home on Polo Club Boulevard near Birkdale Drive, is part of a Halloween‑season health‑awareness campaign aimed at combating Kentucky’s high colon cancer rates.
Personal story fuels public mission
Herring, now 38, was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 34. “Because I was so young, I didn’t realize colon cancer could affect people in their 20s and 30s,” he told LEX News. The experience inspired him to launch the nonprofit Help Kentucky, which focuses on early‑onset colorectal cancer education and screening.
Why the inflatable colon matters
Kentucky consistently ranks among the nation’s highest for colon cancer incidence, and recent data show a troubling rise in cases among adults under 45. Early detection through colonoscopy can stop the disease before it becomes malignant, a fact Herring emphasizes to passing trick‑or‑treaters.
“If you’re taking your kids out trick‑or‑treating this year, you’re right in the age group for someone who should get screened, even if you’re under 45 and have symptoms like stomach upset, narrowing stool, or blood in the stool,” Herring said. He distributes stickers and Tootsie Rolls alongside the inflatable colon, hoping a touch of humor will make the health message stick.
Community response
Neighbors have responded positively, noting the display’s blend of Halloween fun and vital public‑health information. Local pediatrician Dr. Laura Martinez, who volunteered at a recent health fair with Help Kentucky, praised the effort: “Raising awareness early, especially in a family‑friendly setting, aligns with our goal to increase screening rates and save lives.”
The initiative also underscores the importance of parental responsibility—a core value for many Lexington families. By bringing the conversation to front porches, Herring encourages parents to discuss screening with their children and to model proactive health habits.
How to see the display
The inflatable colon will be visible at Herring’s residence throughout the Halloween weekend, from Friday evening through Sunday night. Residents are invited to stop by, ask questions, and receive free informational pamphlets from Help Kentucky. For those unable to visit in person, the nonprofit maintains a website with resources on early‑onset colon cancer, screening locations, and insurance assistance.
Looking ahead
Herring hopes the Halloween campaign is just the beginning. He plans to bring the inflatable colon to local festivals, school events, and faith‑based gatherings throughout the fall, reinforcing the message that early detection saves lives. “Getting a colonoscopy can literally stop it in its tracks before it becomes cancer and can save your life,” he reiterated.
Lexington’s public‑health officials have expressed support for community‑driven awareness efforts, noting that increased screening can reduce the state’s overall cancer burden and improve long‑term health outcomes for families across Kentucky.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
