Written by daughter, Thao Nguyen I was really not the primary caregiver when my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. At the time of her diagnosis, I was actually 4…
Read More
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.
“Like” us on Facebook to have the new story show up in your news feed throughout March and then rest of the year.
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
My name is Roger Rojas; I am 35 years old and live in Kingsville, Texas. I am married to an awesome woman who helps me raise our three children. On October…
My name is Joleen Krueger – I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am a 36 yr old mother of a 16 month old (Logan), and wife to my husband Dean…
Brian Shelly is a friend and family member to someone who has been affected by the colon cancer. In 2009, his brother-in-law expressed concerning symptoms to the family, which prompted…
Written by mother, Susan Dawson Twenty-nine year olds aren’t suppose to get colon cancer, are they? He has been married for only 3.5 years, his beautiful wife is 7 months…
I am a 35 year old, single mom to a wonderful 8 year old son. We live together in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I work full time at a small law…
My daughter Shawntell was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on December 7, 2007. She was 34 years old, and the mother of two beautiful girls, ages 7 and 15….
I am a 59 year old female born in KC, MO and now live in Collierville, TN. I have been a registered nurse for almost 39 years. For the last…
My name is John Paul Ferguson, I’m 47 and I live in Covington, TN with my wife, Sandra, of 10 years, 3 dogs and nine cats. I work for Kele…
Hi my Name is Lori Vanta. I am a 41 yr old who lives in San Antonio Texas. I have the great honor of being a stay at home Mom…
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