Patient & Caregiver Stories
Behind every colorectal diagnosis is a human confronting the unthinkable. In our Champion Stories Hub, you’ll find colon cancer stories and rectal cancer stories. Fight CRC works to ensure nobody fights alone.
Dana Gianfrancesco
"This journey is not easy, but it can be done with grace and peace. We need each other to get through this because only we understand the PTSD that is created from hearing, "You have cancer." Each stage has its own issues. Find your people."
Natalie Riede
"I discovered the power of guided meditation, hypnosis, and talking therapy, which all gave me the tools I needed to be able to process my emotions, release stress, and anxiety and start living my life again."
Kris Sharp
"You are stronger than you think! Even if it’s getting up off the couch to change the TV channel, you are strong!"
Sarah Dean
"In conclusion, make sure you laugh! It might be an old saying, but it’s true: "Laughter is the best medicine." Also, take care of your mental health, too! When you’re ready, seek out therapy to help process everything."
Amie Ross
"You will have days of amazing triumph, and you will have days of deep despair. Focus on whatever joy or positivity you can. Enjoy the simple pleasures and count your blessings. Find the gratitude, even if it's only for your next breath. Celebrate your victories, even if that victory seems trivial: A win is a win. It's OK to be scared, to be angry, to be overwhelmed, to feel the loss. But don't stay there in those dark places for long."
Scott Young
"You're not alone. Communication is the key -- talk to your care team. If you have a question, ask, and have them explain it until you understand. Talk to your family, let them know what's going on. It is perfectly fine to have a bad day, just know you're not alone."
Scott Hancock
"I like to openly talk about my cancer journey and attempt to remove stigmas that I see with cancer. Educating the public about cancer, treatments, challenges, etc. can only help in our fight against cancer. Also, recognizing caregivers is essential. They often get left out of the discussions, but they are often heavily impacted by a loved ones' diagnosis and treatments. They must not be forgotten."
Jacqueline Harris
"Stay around positive people; do something nice for someone else; and fight for your life."
Timothy Dovel
"It’s better to know than not know. There’s nothing wrong with getting answers and help."
Vick Fisher
Help Write the Next Chapter
We encourage anyone with a colorectal cancer story to share.
