People do not think colon cancer will ever affect their life or someone else close to them until they receive the dreaded diagnosis. It is life changing and I am thankful to be able to do my part in this never-ending battle. Colon Cancer awareness is a topic that is close to my heart. My first experience with colon cancer was 2001 when my mother-in-law was diagnosed.  It caught us all by surprise because she was very healthy, but as we know cancer does not discriminate. My mother-in-law had a successful surgery. Due to her early detection, she did not have to undergo chemo or radiation. This is not what took her life, but we are thankful that she was able to get through this difficult time. She spent another 22 years with us.

Colon cancer struck our family once again in 2018 when my dad was diagnosed.  My dad had some serious stomach issues and ended up in the ER where he was told he needed immediate surgery.  Approximately 6 inches of his colon was removed.  The surgery went fine but soon thereafter his doctor found an infection and he spent the next 48 days in the hospital. We all struggled to help support dad and his caregivers. My mom was by his side throughout his recovery and basically was his main caregiver, especially when she made the decision to take care of his wound that did not heal from the surgery. She was amazing. He had the support of many friends, family members, and their pastor, Gary Burton.  With the help of his medical team and our family, he has made a full recovery and has had no residual effects of cancer. There are many people that are not as fortunate.

I am so incredibly honored to be selected as one of the Women in Blue for 2025 to help raise funds and especially awareness for colon cancer. WE WEAR BLUE!