Meet the One Million Strong – Melinda C. from Kentucky

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Champion Stories
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Melinda_Fight_CRC_SurvivorMeet Melinda

Melinda Coyle, survivor
Danville, Kentucky

Melinda's Story

In 2009, I was scared out of my witts when my doctors discovered and unidentifiable mass in me! In January 2010, after the discovery of this mass, I finally went in for a colonoscopy.  My mass was identified as stage II colorectal cancer and I was also diagnosed as having Lynch syndrome.

Now, this diagnosis rocked my world. At the time I was a 35-year-old single mother of two; my daughter CJ was 11 and my son Tyrus was eight. I didn't tell them right away because I didn't think they'd understand. On January 26, exactly one week after my surgeon found the cancer, I had a six-hour surgery to remove the mass. I didn't have to do any chemo or radiation and by the grace of God, I am here today. I am a five-year survivor and I get to see my daughter graduate this May. I strongly believe that God will allow me to see my son graduate too.

I feel so blessed. My kids love me so much, and in 2011, I found the man of my dreams.  We've been married for a year and a half now. All praises be to God!

What One Million Strong means to Melinda?

It represents all of us who fight to survive, but most of all, it reminds us to fight for those who don't make it.

Melinda's Advice?

Stay positive, keep your faith in God and help spread the word so that people are just as aware of colorectal cancer as they are breast cancer.