I was diagnosed in December 2011 with Stage I Rectal Cancer. After progressing to Stage IV four years later I needed to find support and information, which led me to COLONTOWN. It was there that I made friendships and connected with people that have loved, supported and guided me through some of my toughest days. … Read more
Community Leaders
Amy Basner
I joined COLONTOWN because I was looking for support for myself and my husband, who had been diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer. I have enjoyed getting to meet everyone in COLONTOWN and especially liked attending my first Empowered Patient Leader Workshop this summer in Minneapolis. I’m now serving as the Deputy Mayor for our Spiritual Enclave.… Read more
Jennifer O’Dell
I am Carepartner to my husbandm=, who was diagnosed with Stage 3b rectal cancer in 2015. I was introduced to my COLONTOWN family four years ago and became a host to carepartners in 2016. I’m a Deputy Mayor for Carepartner Onboarding & a Neighborhood Host for several communities. I had the pleasure of becoming an Empowered Patient Leader at the first Empowered Patient Workshop in Washington DC.… Read more
Fernando Ruiz
My name is Fernando Ruiz del Prado (but please call me Fer).
My favorite phrase is “Life is a Journey” because pretty much encapsulates the story of my life. Born and raised in Mexico City, when I turned 24, I grabbed two bags, my skateboard and my bass and headed to Boston, MA with enough savings to pay for my first year of college.… Read more
Lari Johnston
I am a Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Rebel who admins several groups in COLONTOWN ranging from a women’s only space, to a side effects group, a Stage Four group and an end of life discussion group.
I am also the Deputy Mayor of the USA CREWS COUNCIL in which I manage over 30 local COLONTOWN groups.
… Read more Kim Austin
I am a Stage IV colorectal cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2013. I’ve been part of the COLONTOWN community for more than five years. After joining, I quickly took on leadership roles. I serve on the COLONTOWN Cabinet, manage the Onboarding team, am the Community Leader for our BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL COMMUNITY and am also a Neighborhood Host for numerous groups.… Read more
Diane Myers
I am a stage II colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed in 2016. I have been with COLONTOWN for 3 years. I am Community Leader for the AGES AND STAGES groups. In this role, I oversee these groups, making sure that they are running smoothly, help to onboard new members and am in contact with the admins if there are any questions or issues.… Read more
Stacey Runfola
Stacey has had the bittersweet opportunity to watch COLONTOWN grow almost from the very beginning. She joined the town while her husband Rick was in treatment for stage IV adenocarcinoma of unknown primary, and has been involved ever since.
Sadly, Rick died of his disease in 2014. Currently Stacey oversees the caregiver neighborhoods of COLONTOWN which include private areas for teen children of CRC patients, primary caregivers of patients, parents of adult patients, a grief group for “former caregivers” and several more.… Read more