I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer. As a healthy adult who was in great shape and training for a third marathon, one would think I know my body pretty well. The summer of 2016, I was experiencing weird symptoms – blood in my stool was the main one. With a family history of Crohn’s disease and with having IBS, I immediately called my doctor. They referred me to a gastroenterologist who would schedule a colonoscopy. They found an 8cm mass blockage in my colon. After finding out it was cancerous, I was scheduled for surgery. On November 18, 2016 – They removed 8 inches of my colon which encapsulated the entire mass. My surgeon told me it was a blessing that I came in when I did. Early detection saved my life. If I would have waited, I would not be here today.

Ever since my diagnosis and removal, I celebrate the 18th as the one day a month that I remind people to Keep Their Rear in the Clear, get checked, if you’re 45 or older – GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY! It has been over 7 years since we kicked that cancer to the curb. I advocate every day.Let’s continue to help others by telling a friend to get checked, know their family history, and KEEP YOUR REAR IN THE CLEAR!!!!!