Lisette Caesar

Story: "My symptoms began in 2019 when I was 48 years old. Today at age 51, I’m still battling colon cancer.

"For months I was misdiagnosed with diverticulitis. Doctors realized I had cancer on the operating table.

"I took a leave of absence from being a NYC principal for over a year to get treatment.

"In August 2020, I was declared cancer free only to have the cancer return and metastasize to my liver a year later. This required the removal of my gallbladder and part of my liver and more treatment.

"For me the side effects from chemo have been the most challenging. I have horrible neuropathy in my legs, which makes working very difficult.

"At times, I have found myself quite depressed during this journey. What helps me get through the times I’m down is writing. I recently wrote and self-published a children’s book about my cancer journey. When my students asked me about cancer, I couldn’t find any books where the characters looked like me or had a similar experience as me.

I might not beat cancer, but while I’m still able to, I try to bring awareness to this disease. I do a great deal of speaking and writing about the importance of early detection and screening. I hope that by telling my story, I help others to not have to go through what I’m going through."

"This screening can save your life."

Advice: "You are not fighting alone. We are in this together."