Stories of Hope
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Molly's Story: Diagnosed on her 23rd birthday, Stage II colon cancer - Shaken Survivor Shakes Things Up to Advocate for Awareness and Early Detection
Molly McMaster was your typical active 22 year old; attending college, playing ice hockey, working out, having fun. Then on her 23rd birthday she was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer after being hospitalized with a total intestinal blockage. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as colon cancer,” says Molly. “During my chemo treatments I just kept thinking, ‘this cannot be happening.’ And in terms of support, the only thing immediately available to me was the colon and prostrate group at Glen Falls Hospital, comprised of mainly older men. There just was nothing aimed at younger survivors.”
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Christian's Story: Diagnosis at 26, Stage II colon cancer - Colon Cancer Survivor Finds the Silver Lining
Life hasn't been easy for Christian Cotsakos’ family, which had endured four cases of colon cancer and one each of stomach, uterine and breast cancers. Then at age 24, Lynch syndrome was discovered in his family - an inherited condition that increased his risk of colon and other cancers.
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Andrea's Story: Diagnosis at 25, Stage I colon cancer - Survivor Turns Experience Into a Commitment and Career Choice
Andrea Bruno was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 16. She was so embarrassed by her symptoms that she hid it from her friends and family. When she finally got the courage to join a support group, she discovered it was "okay" to open up about her experience. She was doing well accepting her condition and was successful at keeping her Crohn's at bay.
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David's Story:
Nagging Saved My Life
David Wright was a reasonably fit and active 52 year old. He finally visited the gastroenterologist for his first routine colonoscopy in January 2008. He felt fine right up until the gastroenterologist told him he had Stage III colon cancer. No symptoms, no warning, no family history, no special risk profile. Life as he knew it had come to an end.
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Katie & Robert's Story: Husband and Wife Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Katie and Robert Hendrickson share a good life in South Florida, where Bob commands the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. But they are coping with something else they share. The Hendrickson's are colorectal cancer survivors.
In the News View All
- Doctors perform a free service - colonoscopies to uninsured, underinsured
- Report Affirms Lifesaving Role of Colonoscopy
- Promoting cancer screening within the patient centered medical home
- Marriage improves the odds of surviving colon cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Deaths Declining, But Millions Still Aren't Getting Screened
- Fewer Americans developing and dying from colon cancer
- Colon cancer deaths down except in Mississippi
- Olympus Urges Swift Passage Of The "Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, And Treatment Act"
- Lack of sleep found to be a new risk factor for colon cancer
