Noelia Escobar is survived by: Javier (husband), Javier Jr. (son), Anna (daughter), and Alayna (granddaughter). My mother was a very strong, loving, and caring person. I was seven years old…
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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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Thank You 
for supporting this story series in 2022.
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
Shianda is a stay at home mom of three. She loves reading, writing and laughing. Her great grandfather, grandmother, and two uncles, as well as herself have had colon cancer. …
At age 15, I walked into the local chicken restaurant looking for my first job. There to greet me was this beautiful smile; a tall, slender, gorgeous 18-year-old. The manager…
I grew up in upstate NY, my parents are artists, as well as one of my brothers, and the other brother works in the movie industry. I went to college…
Colette Fowler was the most amazing, strong, dedicated, family oriented, loving person anyone could imagine. Although she was my boss, we had a very special relationship. She was not only…
My name is Carlos Vieyra and I work at UCLA in the Cardiomyopathy Clinic. It was the end of summer, August of 2011 and my family and I had just…
By Becky Hassell, Robyn’s Mom Our daughter Robyn was a beautiful girl with auburn hair and gorgeous green eyes. Robyn played sports, ran track, was very active her entire life….
Who am I? I am a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. I have been a fire fighter for over 25 years. I started as a military fire…
I am the mother of three amazing children. They are my world. This year marks my 25th year as an RN. I am currently the Health Promotion Manager at a…
Well where do I begin… My name is Kari-Lynn Cermak and 23 years ago my dad had a colonoscopy due to symptoms his doctor was concerned with. That’s when my…
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