Welcome to this journey and thank you for being here! Recently, my dad had an emergency colon resection and was diagnosed with stage 3b colon cancer. He had ZERO idea that he was so sick. After an 18 day stay in ICU and step down oncology units he is now home. He has an unknown journey ahead of him and I am here for it!
As a CRNA (and 10 years as an ICU nurse previously), the healthcare world is not new to me but it being this personal most certainly is new territory. In true ‘me’ fashion I dove head first into researching statistics on colorectal cancer, resources available for patients and families, and organizations that focus on advocacy for research in prevention and treatment.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and first in those younger than 50 years old. Screening begins typically at age 45 but sooner in those with family history…. These are things I didn’t know but now want to share so others don’t face the unimaginable as my dad is now.
I am a triathlete training for my 8th Full Ironman and he always jokes that I got my ‘crazy’ from him. I feel like I have nothing that can help my dad and it is truly a humbling place to find myself. So, with 20 weeks remaining of my training I wanted honor him and make it more than a finish line! I will use this time to fund raise for Fight CRC. An organization focused on advocacy, resources and research.
Every bit helps and I appreciate you more than you will know! Thank you will never be enough, but thank you!