"I ignored the symptoms for way too long. Even when my physician sent me to the ER for a blood transfusion due to acute severe anemia, I continued to convince myself that I was okay. Then when my youngest brother was diagnosed with Leukemia in the summer of 2022, I thought to myself that the world couldn’t possibly be unkind enough to give me cancer, too. In November of 2022, I took another trip tp the ER with a diverticulitis diagnosis, which led to a colonoscopy two months later where a large tumor was found. That was the unofficial start of my journey with stage lll colorectal cancer, at the age of 48. In ten months time I had a major surgery, six months of chemotherapy, 25 rounds of chemo-radiation, and an ostomy reversal. This past year was filled with so many emotions; fear, sadness, joy at times, anger, and more gratitude then I could possibly ever put into words. I created a network of people who I loved and who loved me, and they held me up when I felt like falling apart. My hardest moment was having to tell my sons when they came home on their college spring break. That is a heartbreak I will carry with me always. Cancer changes everything. You see the word differently, whether you are the patient or the caretaker, and I know because I have been both. Acquaintances can become your angels, doctors are your heroes, and the people who love you are your lifeline. But the life lessons are those that I don’t want anyone to have to learn through this path. Trust your instincts and do not be afraid to face your fears head on when it comes to your health. Get screened, keep up with appointments, and be honest with your doctor. And if colon cancer does find its way into your life, know you are not alone. Cancer can be lonely, especially when you look around and don’t see anyone like you. The Alliance helps to put faces to this disease, which helps ease that feeling of being on an island." - Jen Farnsworth Need resources? We've got you covered 👉 bit.ly/AllianceSupport

1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This #InternationalWomensDay, send this reel to a woman you love who should get screened 💙 Your donations are 2X matched this #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth 👉 bit.ly/24-March-Donate

"I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer in August of 2023 at the age of 24. I'm sharing my story to highlight that colorectal cancer is becoming more prevalent in my age group. It could have happened to anyone; unfortunately, it happened to me. I began experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, appetite changes, and blood in my stool in late June. Cancer was the last thing I thought it could be. It took numerous doctor visits, scans, and procedures to identify the rectal tumor. My diagnosis has completely altered my world. It feels as though cancer is attempting to rob the best part of my life away from me, but I won't let it." - Shannon Davidson There is no such thing as being "too young" to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Lets end this awful disease together. All donations are matched 2X 👉 bit.ly/24-March-Donate

March is National #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth. Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and second for women. Show your support and spread the word by: 1️⃣ Sharing on social media 2️⃣ Buying merch & advocating wherever you go 3️⃣ Wearing blue March 1 for #DressInBlueDay (that's today — go put your blue on)! 4️⃣ Creating a Facebook fundraiser for the Alliance Get more info at bit.ly/24MarchAwareness Thank you to our sponsor, @olympusamericas, for their support of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.