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.
Kara Lionetta
"Keep going no matter what. Don’t give up."
Kaitlin Van Saders
"Speak up for yourself, you know your body better than anyone else."
Sara Alvarenga
"Just keep going! Science is changing and improving fast."
Keri Alonzo
"Positivity is what got me through. I thanked God for this disease because it was a blessing. It was a blessing because I am still here fighting for those who could not. I have a second chance at life. I have a voice for those who can no longer fight. I am here as an advocate, as a friend, and as a support system. I will never give up the fight. Positivity and light are what got me through! You are stronger than you think."
Marly Seeley
We are a family of blue. Everyone I’ve met that is a CRC champion has enriched my life. I couldn’t get through this without them all. I have dedicated the rest of my life to serve the CRC community because I know how important we are to each other. No matter if it’s a newbie or someone who’s been affected by CRC for years, we all need each other.
Niki Hardy
Her advice is that you’re never too young to love your bum! <em>"Get screened and know your risk factors!"</em>
David Coulter
People who are afraid to be screened need to know that the procedure is nothing: You're unconscious. There are no after effects. The worst part is the prep for the colonoscopy, and I wouldn't call that bad. I can promise you that the inconvenience of the prep is not even close to what you have to endure recovering from surgery and chemotherapy if your cancer goes undetected.
Rebecca Barber
My advice to anyone who is afraid to seek medical attention or colorectal cancer screening is please go in to be screened if you have any sign that anything is off. Go in. It's better to take the time to go in and make sure it isn't anything serious before your body makes the decision for you. Or before it is too late. Keep fighting even when you feel awful. Keep fighting even if you feel ugly. Keep fighting even if your partner is leaving or cheating. Keep fighting No one should fight alone and you matter.
Michele Parker
"Seek medical attention immediately. It's your one and only life and it's up to you to make the most of it. Bring a family member or friend to take notes and advocate strongly for you. Listen to your intuition. Be brave."
Katie LaPira
"Being diagnosed is very scary, but it is important to take everything one step at a time. If possible, surround yourself with positive friendships and find beauty in the small things. Do not consume yourself with the unknown, and trust that your body is undergoing the hard stuff and you need to treat it well: mentally and physically."
Gwen Powell
"My advice to people afraid to seek medical advice or colorectal cancer screening is if I could rewind the clock to my very first symptom and tell myself to get screened, I would do it in a heartbeat!"
Theresa Maschke
"The only silver lining in the colorectal cancer diagnosis was the amazing community we would have not met otherwise."
Help Write the Next Chapter
We encourage anyone with a colorectal cancer story to share.
