Grace
De La Rosa
Cancer Journal
I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer on August 29, 2005 -- suddenly, without warning and alll within a matter of months. Colon cancer treatments included a hemicolectomy (surgery to remove cancerous tumor from the colon) and FOLFOX chemotherapy for six months. Thankfully, no radiation was needed.
Click on a link below to start reading my colon cancer journal:
|
|
2005: The Beginning |
|
Present Day |
|
|
2006: Chemo's Effects |
|
|
|
|
2007: Road to Recovery |
Photos: |
|
|
|
2008: Back on Track | ||
|
|
2009: Life After Cancer & Chemo |
Please
help raise colon cancer awareness with Dress in Blue Day on Fri.,
March 5, 2010! Thank you!
Overview
When
is Dress in Blue Day?
It is celebrated on the first Friday of March.
In 2010, Dress in Blue Day will be held on Friday, March 5th.
What
is the purpose of Dress in Blue Day?
The purpose of Dress in Blue Day is to promote awareness about colorectal
cancer and encourage people to get screened.
Why
do we need to raise awareness of Colorectal Cancer?
Because:
Colorectal
cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in the U.S.
Over 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer each
year.
Colorectal cancer often has no symptom at all until it's at an advanced
stage.
Colorectal cancer is 80% preventable when detected early.
You can reduce your risk through regular screening.
Beginning at age 50 (or earlier if you have a family history), everyone
should be screened for colorectal cancer.
How can I/my organization participate in Dress in Blue Day?
Individuals, businesses and community groups are all encouraged to participate
in Dress in Blue Day, by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and other
members of their organization to wear blue. By getting people to talk about
colon cancer, and learning about ways to prevent this # 2 cause of cancer
death in the U.S., you could save a life. In addition, you can raise money
to support programs like our Helpline, Buddy program and other initiatives
by using our Fundraising Form.
Get
involved today!
There are a number of ways to promote Dress in Blue Day. Just contact us for
more information on how to participate, details on the event, colorectal cancer
statistics and informative awareness tools.
What
is the history behind Dress in Blue Day?
Dress in Blue Day was started in March of 2006 by a Colon Cancer Alliance
volunteer and survivor, Anita Mitchell. In an effort to raise awareness about
the importance of screening, Anita worked with her children's local k-8 Catholic
school and parents to coordinate a recognition day. On that day, students,
who normally wore a uniform to school, were allowed to wear blue if they donated
a dollar to colon cancer research. To promote the event, Anita sent a notice
to each of the 500 families at the school, letting them know about the special
day and included some simple screening guidelines for the parents. When the
children came to school on Dress in Blue Day they were each given a blue ribbon,
signifying their participation.
In 2007, Anita dedicated Dress in Blue Day to her friend, Carmen, who had
passed away from colon cancer and to all others who had lost their fight against
colorectal cancer. In addition, Anita received a proclamation from the Mayor
declaring it Dress in Blue Day for the city of Seattle.
In 2009, as Co-Founder of Colon S.T.A.R.S. of Seattle, Anita worked with the
Colon Cancer Alliance to build national recognition for this event.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about this?
Colon
Cancer Alliance
www.ccalliance.org
202/434-8980
Source: http://www.ccalliance.org/news_events_dress-in-blue.html