I am so many things to different people—a father, a husband, a brother—but now, most importantly, I am a warrior.
My name is Ken Kiess and this is my story with colon cancer.
I was in pain for about six weeks when I decided to go to the hospital last year after Christmas. I couldn’t imagine it being anything as serious as cancer. I didn’t tell anyone about the pain—not even my wife, Julie. I was only 50 with no family history when I was diagnosed with colon cancer on December 30, 2014.
Since then, I don’t dwell on my stage of diagnosis; when someone asks, I tell them I’m in the stage of living.
I discovered the Colon Cancer Alliance with my wife and my twin brother, Kurt. The Colon Cancer Alliance’s programs and services became an outlet for us, allowing my family to understand and walk beside me on this journey. That’s why it’s crucial to keep these lifesaving initiatives going with your generous contribution today:
- The Colon Cancer Alliance’s Patient Navigator Program guides patients and families through all stages of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, offering resources and information.
- Volunteers in the Buddy Program are trained patients, survivors and family members who use their own experiences with colon cancer to provide peer to peer support to those in need.
Later, we learned about Dress in Blue Day and the Undy Run/Walk—opportunities that gave us the chance get involved and give back. Learn how you can help other colon cancer warriors. Give to the Colon Cancer Alliance today.
My motto is simple: I will not let cancer define me. Let’s make 2016 our year—the year we prevail over colon cancer. Donate to the Colon Cancer Alliance before it’s too late.
Sincerely,
Ken Kiess
P.S. – 2015 is ending in just a few hours. Make your year-end tax-deductible contribution to the Colon Cancer Alliance right now!