I am incredibly honored to have been selected to serve as one of the 2025 Women in Blue.

March 2024 was life changing for my family.  My husband, Mark Bonner, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer during a routine colonoscopy.  I will never forget the solemn look on the doctor’s face when he delivered the news.  As he spoke, I thought this couldn’t possibly be happening to us.  Cancer happens to other people!  Reality hit.  What do we do next? Mark’s doctor immediately sent him for a CT scan which showed the cancer had metastasized into the liver (not good news!) I don’t think we fully realized at the time we would be in for the fight of our lives.

The longest week would be that Monday-Friday waiting for an appointment with Dr. Robert Avery at the Montgomery Cancer Center – Prattville.  We were welcomed with open arms on Friday. We were assured that Mark would get the best possible treatment in the country.  We would not need to look out of state.

Jump ahead one year and the colon cancer is in remission.  The liver continues to be a problem, but through bi-weekly treatment, we are confident that he will receive a remission diagnosis soon.

Through the Montgomery Cancer Center-Prattville, Mark and I have become familiar with the Cancer Wellness Foundation.  The foundation provides not only transportation for patients to appointments if needed but is also an advocate for the patient in making sure the finest medical treatment is available.  I believe the staff and volunteers have made a world of difference in Mark’s progress.  The Cancer Wellness Foundation bridges the gap between diagnosis and all the “unknowns” a cancer diagnosis brings.

Mark and I could never repay the support we received through the Montgomery Cancer Center-Prattville, who directly benefits from fundraising by the foundation.  I ask as the wife of a cancer patient and a 2025 Woman in Blue that you give generously to our campaign.  You never know when you will be on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis.