Dear Allies,
Angelina is our best friend, and we’re honored to be part of her journey with stage IV colorectal cancer, including this end-of-year fundraising campaign for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Colorectal cancer isn’t just a disease. It’s a constant presence in each of our lives.
We’ve all been affected by Angelina’s diagnosis, and have become allies and friends with so many others who are working hard to end this disease.
Colorectal cancer isn’t about one person. It’s about all of us.
No organization understands the power of community better than the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. We hope you will give to the Alliance, not just for Angelina, but for everyone who shares the risk and realities of this terrible disease.
We each want to share with you how Angelina inspires us, in hope that she might inspire you, too.
Komal: Angelina and I met 24 years ago, when we were neighbors in a dorm at Duke University. She was this wonderful, spunky, dorky girl that reminded me of myself, so I immediately felt drawn to her.
When she was diagnosed, I had so many strong emotions. She supported me through my family’s experience with cancer. And now this woman, who was in the prime of her life and just three days older than me, was struck with the reality that her life might be considerably shorter than expected.
I’m inspired by how she has turned this adversity into a question about how to live the very best life, right here and now.
But I’m not surprised. This is Angelina at her core.
Tara: Angelina and I have been friends for 38 years. The news of her diagnosis came to me in an email. When I read it, I felt like I was going to be sick, partly because I knew first-hand how bad cancer could be, but also because she didn’t deserve such a terrible diagnosis—no one does.
One thing that has always been a constant is her extreme selflessness and deep empathy for others. She has helped me and my family through many tough times over the years and is like a sister to me.
While the Alliance has provided Angelina with resources and a community of allies for support and encouragement, it has also given her a place to help other people. She found this amazing organization where she can spread the word, advocate for research, and raise funds.
Likewise, Angelina has inspired me to educate others about this disease and promote prevention and research.
Jacey: I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Angelina since 2003, when she joined our international development company.
I learned of her diagnosis when I was driving to a dinner. There are no words to express what changed in that moment. I don’t even think I realized the extent or severity of the diagnosis. I just knew it was really scary.
I’ve seen her go through so much with this devastating diagnosis. I’ve seen shock, but also hope, and then the lowest of the low. She’s the same Angelina, but now she carries this amazing awareness and appreciation for life. It was always there, it’s just magnified now.
She wants her legacy to be what she has given to others. Now we’re asking for you to renew your support and give—for Angelina and the 140,250 people who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year.
Angelina has taught us so much, including how critical it is to embrace each and every day and love life, as well as to learn about colorectal cancer and give back to the community.
It’s important something positive comes out of her having this disease. When people hear her story, we hope they’ll try to emulate her and see what an amazing impact one person can have. Please join us and Angelina this holiday season by making a gift.
Thank you for your support.
With gratitude,
Komal, Tara, and Jacey