November 3, 2016 started like any usual day for Justin Vossen. It wasn’t until he got to work that he felt a little off. He thought it could be the…
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Faces of Blue is colorectal cancer survivor stories, plus patients, friends and family, and others touched by this disease. This special place dedicated to a shared cancer experience. By publishing these accounts of courage, endurance, strength, and even humor, we hope to share a common experiences and provide encouragement for all affected by this disease.
New stories are published frequently throughout Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March), as well as the rest of the year. Each story puts another face to this disease. If you have been touched in some way by colon or rectal cancer, you are a face of blue.
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Rodnell’s Story
Rodnell didn’t have an extensive family history of cancer. His father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it didn’t raise any eyebrows with his health care providers.
When a ruptured appendix in 2016 landed him in emergency surgery, however, his doctors discovered something more “shocking, surprising, and very unexpected.”
Stage IV colon cancer.
As a part of his care plan, Rodnell was offered genetic testing. The results would provide another shock to this father of two young boys. The news he carried the gene for Lynch syndrome, a hereditary gene that increased his lifetime risk of colorectal and other cancers.
Rodnell spent three years in treatment. Now in remission, he stays on top of his surveillance for the return of not only colorectal cancer, but also any of the other cancers associated with Lynch syndrome.
Share your Story
Tell us about your colorectal cancer experience or share your memories of a loved one lost to this disease.
Faces of Blue Stories
Brooks Bell started her digital optimization and data analytics company Brooks Bell, Inc. in the early 2000s. By 2018, her business was a leader in the industry of digital marketing,…
Health care providers stress the importance of knowing your family health history. In the case of colon and other cancers, that health history can direct screenings and preventative care which…
My cancer journey started in the fall of 2017. My dad passed away during the summer. I was dealing with family stress surrounding settling his estate. I started to notice…
My name is Sonia Morris. I’m originally from Southern California, and moved to Nashville, TN two years ago. I have been married to my husband for six years and we…
Steve’s mother had a feeling. Her premonition would ultimately save her life, her son’s life, and predictably will have a positive impact on generations to come in her family. “She…
In 2016 Savanah Knight scheduled a colonoscopy, hoping only to find polyps that would be easily removed. Her mother had a history of polyps when she was in her 50s….
“As I was coming back down the hall, a group of doctors stopped me and asked if they could speak to me in a nearby room.” Jackie Robins’ heart sank…
Nancy was 33-years-old in the fall of 2016 when she was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer. She was a young widow, having just lost her husband to a heart…
Chelsea Boet is a primary care physician. She knew about colorectal cancer, having had patients walking through her door after being diagnosed. “Screening is what I do.” She had had…
Archived Stories
Survivor Stories
Colon cancer patients and survivors share personal experiences about diagnosis, surgery, treatment, side effects and the many ways that cancer has changed their lives.
Survivor StoriesIn Loving Memory
Friends and family of those lost to colon cancer share a loved one’s story with us. Keeping their memories alive.
In Loving Memory Stories