Zakela Mickens

Story: “In August 2015 at the age of 27, my oldest brother, Joshua, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He had no previous signs or symptoms. My brother had genetic testing done, and it showed that he had mutations in one copy of the MLH1 gene.

My brother didn’t get a chance to make it to the age of 50, which is the recommended age for colon screening. Joshua passed December 27, 2015 at the age of 28, which was just a few weeks after his birthday and after fighting so hard for five months.”

Advice: “No matter the stage of your diagnosis, live out every moment to your fullest capacity. Do something you have never done before if you can: Take a trip somewhere that you have never been. Do something you love with the people you love, but most of all TELL YOUR STORY. It could save someone!”