In May 2019, at age 36, I was diagnosed with stage IIIB colon cancer. With no family history and no known genetic predisposition, the diagnosis was both shocking and isolating. While still in the hospital, I began searching for information and connection. That search led me to COLONTOWN.
From the moment I joined, I found a community of patients and survivors who understood exactly what I was going through. I connected with others facing young onset colorectal cancer, as well as local “townies” who quickly became some of my closest friends. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. The support I received throughout treatment was invaluable.
After completing chemotherapy, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that had supported me so deeply. I became an admin for several of COLONTOWN’s major neighborhoods and later stepped into a Community Leader role. Shortly after, I joined the Empowered Patient Leader (EPL) team, helping train and mentor others to help in our community. In 2022, I joined the COLONTOWN Cabinet.
In addition to leadership and training, I support distribution efforts to expand awareness and ensure that more patients and caregivers can find the trusted information and connection that COLONTOWN provides.
Serving this community has been incredibly meaningful and healing. What began as a search for support during one of the most difficult seasons of my life has become a deep commitment to helping others feel informed, empowered, and never alone.