Conoce a María

Maria Williams, Family Member/Friend of Patient

Ridgefield, Washington

La historia de María

It was 10 years ago when my best friend was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was a mom with two very young children at the time. I was her caregiver for the last few years of her life. We traveled many miles to chemo treatments, doctor's visits. She lost her eight-year battle just two years ago.

Her loss left a huge hole in my heart and the hearts of my family. My family and I continue to fight for her and for all the children whose parents have succumb to this disease.

I fight so that there will come a day when children do not have to lose their parents before they graduate preschool, elementary, junior or high school.

I never thought in a million years I would become an advocate, but that's exactly what I have become. I attended my first Call-On Congress five years ago, and have attended ever since. I guess you could say I was bitten by the advocacy bug. After losing my friend two years ago I became known as Belle's Maria. I am thankful for this endearing moniker. It has helped ease the pain of losing her.

I've found an advocacy home in Fight CRC and a huge family as result of the connections I've made. I am proud to say I have been a member of the Grassroots Action Committee (GAC) for the past three years.

Consejos de María

No olvides decir a tus seres queridos cuánto les quieres cada día. Les ayuda a encontrar fuerzas para luchar cada día. No pasa nada por llorar, enfadarse, tener miedo y contar a tu familia cómo te sientes. Te sentirás mejor si compartes tus sentimientos con los demás.

Qué significa un millón de personas para María

Me enorgullece decir que soy una veterana defensora junior y que ésta es la cuarta vez que voy a Washington D.C. y al Congreso. Llevo haciendo viajes a la "colina" con mi madre desde que tenía cinco años. Comparto mi historia, que en realidad es la de mi madre. La mejor amiga de mi madre, la tía Belle, era muy especial para mi hermano y para mí, y todavía la echamos de menos todos los días. Call-on-Congress es increíble porque puedo hacer nuevos amigos que entienden el cáncer colorrectal.

ÚNETE A UN MILLÓN DE PERSONAS

Si te ha afectado el cáncer colorrectal, únete a One Million Strong comparta su historia¡! Y, participa¡! ¡Apoyen la cura!