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Content and Video Contributed by Dylan Kurtz
In 2019, my father was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. After his diagnosis, he began radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Our lives changed dramatically.
I was used to my dad running five miles a day, but some days he was too tired to leave his bed.
Because of his treatments and doctors appointments, responsibilities around my house changed. I did extra chores, helped prepare meals, and took more responsibility for my brother on the autism spectrum.
In my free time I would google questions I had about my father’s diagnosis. What I found scared me. I realized I needed to ask my parents or my dad’s doctors for accurate information. So, I have stopped looking on the internet for answers.
Fortunately, my dad had a complete response to treatment, which means it worked.
Young-onset colorectal cancer, like what my dad had, is on the rise. If you're 45 or older, and have a colon, get screened. If you're a teenager with a parent diagnosed with cancer, you will get through this and you aren’t alone.
Below is a list of tips and resources that I have found helpful for teens experiencing colorectal cancer in their families.
Support Groups:
Summer Camp:
Books:
Grant for Children or Teens with colorectal cancer in family:
Music, Dance, Art, and Drama Therapy:
Dylan Kurtz is a student in the Washington, D.C., area. His father, Jonathan Kurtz, was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
Chemotherapy often leads to temporary hair loss.
Statistics suggested that Christy’s odds of survival were grim, so she leaned into her faith and kept a positive outlook. She tried to control what she could. And, critically, she received biomarker testing.
Though facing a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis isn’t easy, Chris continues to show up with grace and courage as he moves through his journey to wellness.