I came to COLONTOWN as primary caregiver for my intellectually disabled sister, Pam, who was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in 2016. I was dedicated to pursuing the most advanced treatments from world class medical professionals, and COLONTOWN is where I learned it all.
Pam endured numerous chemotherapies, surgeries, procedures, and hospital stays with a smile on her face and with a world-famous thumbs up.
COLONTOWN became Pam’s family and mine. She loved meeting fellow patients and caregivers, both online and in person, and they certainly loved her. Sadly, Pam succumbed to her illness in December 2018.
COLONTOWN became as important to me as it was to Pam in the years I spent researching treatment options and connecting with other caregivers. I became the host for our liver metastases groups, and then Community Leader for all the neighborhoods providing resources for metastases. I am excited to serve the community as Deputy Mayor for Caregivers on the COLONTOWN Cabinet.
Some of my work in COLONTOWN includes: attendance at ASCO; ASCO GI; the Reusch Center annual symposiums on GI cancers; and more. I also feature a #SurvivorSaturday series, highlighting stage four patients as a source of hope, inspiration, and knowledge for others. In 2021, I am hosting a variety of educational events such as TRANSPLANT TALKS (highlighting living donor liver transplants for mCRC) and a separate series on HAI pump awareness as well.
For the Lu Second Opinion Project, I assist with referrals of patients, promotion of the project in all relevant groups for stage four patients, and clarification of information as needed.
Betsy Post
A lawyer by day, I am located in the DC area and have found that helping patients and caregivers in the CRC community is my life’s work, in memory of my sweet sister and all those we have lost.