We (Kim Gallagher and Lori Carlson) ran the Santa Barbara International marathon on November 10, 2012–it was grueling, but we finished! We ran in honor of our amazing dad, Jim…
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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
Editor’s Note: We thank Dana Cannon shares this story of vigilance and persistence in the face of multiple pre-cancer and cancer diagnoses in her and her immediate family. Showing there…
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in September, 2003. I had gone to my OBGYN for a regular checkup on September 25, 2003. In the middle of my doctor telling…
My name is Gidget Hall. I am a colon cancer survivor and so much more. I’m a single Mom, who used to work two jobs to support two wonderful sons….
My name is Candace Henley. I am a mother of five daughters and have one grandson. I have raised eight girls total. I currently work as a Customer Service Specialist…
I am 57 years young, husband (34 years), father (two sons, 30 and 32 years), friend, surf instructor and 26 year colon cancer survivor and ostomate. I am an advocate…
I am a 33-year-old wife and a mom of two little girls who were three and six when I was diagnosed with colon cancer. My husband was in school working…
The summer before my mother, Lynne, was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer, she seemed perfectly happy and healthy. She read a plethora of books while sunbathing (one of…
There are a lot of books out there written on how to cope with a cancer diagnosis. I’m pretty sure if I were to ask my mom how she copes,…
My relationship with my dad was very strong; we did everything together, bike ride, roller skate, swim, hike, bird watching and so much more. My father was very active and enjoyed the…
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