Paul Weigel

I was diagnosed with stage III c colorectal cancer in 2013. My tumor at the junction of my rectum and my colon was the size of a lemon, and I had suspicious lesions on my liver and lungs.

I was 43 years old. My daughter had just turned three. I was an athlete. Doctors just couldn’t imagine someone “like me” having cancer – even with all of my symptoms. Thank goodness we found out it before it was too late. We started my treatment immediately consisting of oral chemo, radiaton, surgery, and then six months of chemotherapy. I finished an Ironman six months after treatment as a gift to my daughter in case my time was short.

Now I’m an advocate. Wrote my book Iron Dad to help inspire others, provide hope and encourage screenings. We need to stop this epidemic now!