I am a single mom of 3 beautiful babies and I have stage IV colon cancer. I am a big city gal in rural Appalachia and strive to dedicate my energy towards colorectal cancer patient advocacy, education and support.
I was diagnosed as a stage 4 patient at the age of 37 after a dramatic ER visit where they discovered 13+ liver mets and a high CEA level. I was initially overwhelmed by my diagnosis and realized that I needed to learn everything I could about this cancer and how to survive. I discovered the COLONTOWN community online, where I met young moms and dads just like me juggling family and a devastating diagnosis. I was immediately surrounded with cutting edge medical information, resources on every aspect of life with cancer, and forever friends who knew what I was dealing with through this diagnosis.
I traveled to Boston in spring of 2019 for PALTOWN’s Empowered Patient Leader Training. The group challenged me to seek second opinions and push for surgical options. I took their advice and found a team who was willing to attempt surgery. I officially became NED in March 2020 after 2 surgeries and 20 months of chemotherapy.
I look forward to giving back to COLONTOWN for literally giving me the tools to extend my life. I am thrilled to be a part of the leadership team of this groundbreaking and original community as we seek to save and improve the lives of cancer patients around the world.