Theft of a giant inflatable colon made international headlines this week, proving that crime reporting can sometimes be entertaining. As Tony Rizzo wrote in the Kansas City Star:

“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 10-foot long colon model was an archway for a 5K Run/Walk called “Get Your Rear in Gear - Kansas City.” Sponsors said they would need to raise $4,000 to replace the item.

The good news is, the crime brought a lot of publicity to the cause  of colon cancer prevention and there was good response to a website for donations: coloncancercoalition.org/stolencolon. If the inflatable model is recovered, the money will go to fund colon cancer awareness and education efforts.

This week other giant body parts arrived in Great Bend. Body Venture is an educational walk-through exhibit for children, courtesy of Child Nutrition & Wellness, Kansas State Department of Education. Fifth graders got to walk through a small intestine on their way to the heart and lungs, all for the purpose of learning to “Eat Smart and Play Hard.”

We hope the folks in Kansas City get their giant colon back. The thoughtless crime profited no one. And we commend those who work to raise awareness about so many important issues, sometimes using humorous props to make a point. Thanks also to the many volunteers who help put on these fundraisers and awareness raising events. Don’t get discouraged by a few human ... inflatables.