I was 33 when I first told a doctor about blood in my stool. He said it was just constipation. Two years later, the symptoms returned and worsened. A new doctor took my family history seriously and ordered a colonoscopy. On April 29, 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB rectal cancer at 36, with two young daughters at home. I got a second opinion that reshaped my treatment, went through chemoradiation and chemotherapy, and had a complete response; my surgeon called one of the rarest he’s seen. Six years out, I’m on watch-and-wait, still scanning regularly, still grateful every single morning. Cancer taught me to push for answers, trust my gut, and never accept “you’re too young.” If my story convinces one person to get screened or get a second opinion, it was worth telling.

Early-Onset CRC (EOCRC)