Learn how triathlete and father Paul Weigel overcame stage III colorectal cancer, wrote "Iron Dad," and inspires early detection and candid GI discussions.
In his mid-40s, Dr. Ben Yokel experienced a partial bowel obstruction. One colonoscopy and CT scan later, Dr. Yokel was told everything’s fine—and to come back for a screening colonoscopy in 10 years.
Two stories occurring decades apart bookend one Virginia survivor’s journey with colorectal cancer. The first story takes place shortly before humans walked on the moon. The last happened just the other day.
Earlier this year, six allies traveled to the media capital of the world to share their stories on camera. They were the first allies featured as part of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Living Legacy Program.
The exact scientific answer to my existential question, “Why am I still alive?” is still in the hands of researchers. What we do know is that “miracle responders” - like me - have a special relationship between our DNA, current treatment therapies and our cancer type.
It’s scary to hear the “c” word, especially when you’re only 36. A million questions ran through Gabriel Leblanc’s mind, but only one seemed to matter. “How was I going to get through this?” Gabriel said.
Deondre believes in the power of positivity, education, living a healthy lifestyle, and the ability to move through the curveballs that life throws at us. Through advocacy and community engagement, he brings powerful purpose to his now cancer-free life.
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer six years ago, but my emotions about cancer still take me by surprise and bite me in the butt (pun intended) sometimes.
I turned 50 in November of 2019 and had my first colonoscopy. There was a 10cm mass growing in my rectum that I had no idea was there. It was stage III. No symptoms. No pain. No bleeding. Nothing.
I was a healthy 38-year-old woman who was a vegetarian, didn't really drink, didn't smoke, and was in pretty good shape. Now, I was sitting on my bathroom floor having just thrown up the CT contrast.
When Rahimah Phillips was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she relied on her friends and support from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to face treatment — and all of the challenges that came with it. Now, she’s managing a recurrence with a strong will to live and return to the life she cherished.
I hope to be an inspiration to others and to convince people who haven’t had their colonoscopy that they need to do this. Stage IV is not a death sentence!
At 17, most teenagers are a hub of energy, busily taking on the challenges of college prep, managing friends and a budding social life. For Jessica Joseph, a stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis in December 2016 shifted her focus to advocacy on what was once popularly considered an "old man's disease."
Healing takes time, and it's packed full of ups and downs. I realize I'm not saying anything you don't already know, but it never hurts to hear it again.