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The CCA encourages our members to be hopeful and as educated as possible about colon cancer. You may find practical tips and inspiration in fellow patient, survivor, and caregiver personal stories. Share your story!

Ana was diagnosed at just 22 years old. She urges other young people not to ignore symptoms out of fear or embarrassment.

Arty, a police detective was diagnosed at 35 years old with stage III colon cancer after a 12 year battle with ulcerative colitis. Now in remission, Arty is committed to helping others beat this disease.

Barbara got a colonoscopy on her birthday after having symptoms. She shares her story of being diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer.

Bernie was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after having two years of rectal bleeding. Following treatment, he is cancer-free and strongly advocating colon cancer prevention through screening.

Bob had a cancerous polyp discovered during his first routine colonoscopy. He has since finished treatment, remained cancer free, and joined a cycling team to raise money.

Claudia was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2004. A five-year survivor, this long-time CCA Buddy has a message of hope to share.

Cynthia's cancer was diagnosed early, thanks to her step-mother "nagging" her to get screened because of her family history.

For Darlene, a routine pre-op test before weight-loss surgery led her doctor to discover cancerous polyps in her colon.

David and his wife Ann share their story hoping that someone will learn from their experience and ask a lot of questions before a crisis happens.

Dawn and Shawn-Marie - These two sisters have become crusaders for colon cancer awareness since their mother died of the disease.

Earl's weight dropped to an astonishingly low 90 pounds before he was diagnosed with Stage II colon cancer at age 31. Now, 13 years later, he helps others through their journeys as a CCA Buddy.

Evelyn went in for a colonoscopy after months of severe stomach cramps and six days later, was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.

Fran, an 11-year rectal cancer survivor, serves as a CCA Buddy so that she can support reassure, and communicate with people who have been recently diagnosed.

Gwen endured many challenges on her road to recovery, including late stage diagnosis, multiple surgeries and three rounds of chemotherapy.

Heidi, diagnosed at the young age of 31, survived stage IV rectal cancer, and become a CCA buddy. She offers hope and encouragement to those currently struggling against the disease.

Herbert served as his wife's caregiver until she died of stage III colon cancer. He tells his wife's story and offers insight for caregivers and family of colon cancer patients.

Hugo's cancer was diagnosed early, thanks to early screening. Although he had no symptoms, his family history prompted him to get screened.

Jackie was found to have colon cancer after her doctor recommended a colonoscopy when she began having symptoms. Now cancer-free, she knows every day is precious and is grateful to her friends and family for their support.

James's father writes in memory of his son, who died of stage III rectal cancer. He stresses the importance of being properly screened, especially if you have symptoms.

Jamie was diagnosed with hereditary colon cancer at the age of 24. She has since been treated and has very little risk of recurrence.

Janet was diagnosed with Stage II rectal cancer at age 63, after avoiding a colonoscopy for years. She explains how her diagnosis changed her life's perspective and why she now fights to help others know they are not alone.

Jay was 47 years old when he was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer, even though he was in good health and had no family history of the disease.

Jeanne's journey began seven years ago with a seemingly routine appointment with her Primary Care Physician. Both she and her doctor were startled eight months later, when a colonoscopy revealed a stage IV colon cancer diagnosis.

Judi writes about her husband's diagnosis and cancer treatment. She serves as his caregiver and stresses the necessity of getting screened and getting a wide variety of medical opinions.

Judy tells how her family, coworkers, an attitude and orange hair helped her in the battle against colon cancer.

Kevin participated in a unique gene study, which identified that he carries a defective gene that makes him likely to develop colon cancer.

Kristi was diagnosed with colon cancer before her 40th birthday and found the CCA after accruing over $34,000 in medical bills. The CCA’s Blue Note Fund helped Kristi get back on her feet and she is now in remission, back at work, and coaching a girls’ basketball team.

Krystal was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 26 directly after giving birth to her second child and shares the story of her continuing fight.

Laura's cancer was diagnosed after she developed symptoms. She is a testament to the fact that you can survive stage IV colon cancer, and that cancer does not have to define your life.

Mark survived stage III rectal cancer and became a CCA Buddy so he could share his experiences and help survivors through difficult times.

Michelle was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer on May 23, 2008 when she was only 31. Now in remission, Michelle is very active in the CCA Buddy Program and her local Voices chapter.

Mike is a stage II colon cancer survivor who has run fourteen 5K races and a triathlon since finishing chemotherapy in 2008. Mike shares his experience as a survivor at the 2012 South Florida Undy 5000.

Pam was diagnosed with rectal cancer during her first pregnancy. Her insistence on taking charge of her medical treatment and exploring her options helped her to save the life of her baby daughter, as well as her own.

Pat was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer after eight weeks of digestive symptoms. She now volunteers as a CCA Buddy to help encourage and support other people going through similar experiences.

Pat and Joan fought colon cancer as a team for four years, until Pat's passing in 2010. Joan continues honor the love of her life by staying involved with awareness and research efforts.

Richard's cancer was not diagnosed until long after he exhibited its first sign: unexplained anemia in a post-50-year-old man. He dedicated himself to learning as much as he could about colon cancer and connecting with other survivors until eventually succumbing to the disease.

Richard -- After being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in February, 2004, his experience has led him to have a more positive outlook on life, and he loves the work he does helping others through their ordeals.

Shawn shares how his family helped him through stage II colon cancer.

Terry's cancer was diagnosed after years of symptoms. She describes the difficulties of going through treatment and tells how her family helped her through the experience.

Thomas was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 cancer in 2006. Still receiving chemotherapy treatments, he also juggles a full-time law practice and family.

Tom, a frontiersman and adventurer, made an expedition to the South Pole after surviving stage III colon cancer.

Vanessa, at just 27 years old, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Now 37 and seven surgeries later, Vanessa is committed to helping others through the CCA Buddy Program and serves as the Chairperson of the New York Voices Chapter.

Disclaimer: The stories included in this section are anecdotes provided by individuals and are neither presented as a substitute for medical advice, nor are they necessarily medically accurate. The CCA does not endorse any particular opinion expressed or treatment described. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem you should consult your physician. Please see our full disclaimer.

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