I am a Stage 3b colorectal cancer survivor. I joined COLONTOWN after my diagnosis in 2017. I quickly learned how much I did not know about my diagnosis and treatments. I still remember being asked if I was MSS or MSI, and I had no idea what that meant.
As a member, COLONTOWN provided me with valuable information and resources. I learned the importance of having multiple planes on the runway. More importantly I learned the importance of advocating for myself.
In 2018, I became a neighborhood host and admin. I am currently an admin for the “3rd Lane” and the Healthy Gut Cafe and Fitness Center. I am a student of Patient Advocacy and continuously try to learn as much as I can about all aspects of colorectal cancer. In the fall of 2019, I completed the COLONTOWN Empowered Patient Leadership program. I attended my first medical conference (ASCO GI) as a Patient Advocate in January 2020. As a neighborhood admin, my goal is to stimulate robust conversations based on clinical trials and scientific data. I now serve as Community Leader for “The Circus,” COLONTOWN’s neighborhoods that focus on the cancer experience beyond treatments and stages.
My cancer journey has taught me to be mindful, prioritize and make the best of every sunrise. I am an avid swimmer and enjoy being active outdoors all season long. On the side, I am enjoying my career as an IT Leader in the health care sector.