Staff photo by Fritz Busch Drew Aufderheide, center, his fiance Kelly Kelly, right and several children shoot colored powder into the air at the start of Drew’s Crew 5k Colorfest Run in Harman Park Saturday.

NEW ULM — Drew Aufderheide said his last test showed only moderate levels of leukemia in his blood prior to the start of the Annual Drew’s Crew 5k Colorfest Run/Walk at Harmon Park Saturday.

The 5K Colorfest is held as a fundraising benefit to help Aufderheide cover the cost of his medication and other medical expenses. The event is also a chance for Aufderhedie to see family and friends.

The first Drew’s Crew 5K Colorfest was held in 2015. In March of that year, Aufderheide was diagnosed with a rare illness, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is a cancer caused by a chromosomal change. Because it is caused by a chromosomal change, there is no cure for it. Aufderheide must take a maintenance chemo drug for the rest of his life, or until a cure is found. The medication can cost up to $8,000 a month. Medical insurance only pays a portion of the drug cost. There are other medical costs not covered by insurance.

When first diagnosed, Aufderheide worked at Anytime Fitness as a gym manager and personal trainer, but that is no longer possible with a compromised immune system. On advice from his oncologist, he needed to change careers. He can no longer work closely with people. He has taken up a part-time job mapping lakes for Johnson Outdoors. The new job allows him to work outdoors. However, it is a job that does not provide insurance and limits his contact with people.

Aufderheide gave an update on his condition before the 5K.

“I feel good today. It’s a beautiful day,” he said. “I want to thank everybody for their support. It’s really marvelous. Living with cancer is expensive. I take chemotherapy pills daily. They have side effects.

Aufderheide said he continues to exercise including walking and lifting weights most days.

To start the 5K, Aufderheide, his fiance Kelly Kelly, and several young children threw colored powder on more than 40 walkers and runners at the start of the 5K. Part of what makes this 5K unique is along the route, colored powered is thrown on runners. By the time they cross the finish line, they are covered in a rainbow full of colors.

Raul Rodriquez, 16, of Sleepy Eye finished the color run first in 20:57.

A benefit breakfast for Aufderheide will be held at 8, 9 and 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26 at George’s Fine Steaks & Spirits, 301 Minnesota St. N., New Ulm. Take outs are available. For tickets, call or text 507-766-4310.

For more information, visit https://www.drewscrew.org.