Welcome to my fundraising page - where I'm 'getting my rear in gear' to support local efforts to combat colorectal cancer! JOIN ME in supporting the Colon Cancer Coalition / Get Your Rear in Gear to make an impact in my community. Your dollars go towards efforts that have long lasting impact on screening, education and awareness, support, and research. Your dollars = direct, local impact. I was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in December 2023, it was a Stage III Colorectal Cancer. I had this feeling prior to my diagnosis that my life was going to change, I didn't know why our what--but knew something would be changing. I had no idea what was in store for me....Even though at times it (cancer) has been awful it has also been a blessing! I am a different person, a better person. Jeremiah 29:11 was a verse I clung to. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I was not due for a colonoscopy. I had to ask for one. I was 42 years old when diagnosed and had mild symptoms for 1 1/2 years prior. I told my primary care doctor, but she dismissed it and said "it's probably just hemorrhoids." I didn't like that answer but didn't know what else to think or do. After seeing it wasn't getting any better and having more stomach discomfort, I went to see a new doctor. She said it's probably nothing, but we'll order a colonoscopy. They found a tumor, and they biopsied it and found it to be malignant. I share this because Colon Cancer is becoming more and more common in younger people in their 20s, 30s & 40s. And they don't know why! Genetic testing showed my cancer was not hereditary. It was spontaneous, and the doctors do not know what to attribute it to. So be aware, be cautious, and be your own advocate. Don't wait as long as I did. It's not something that's comfortable to talk about. But neithers having cancer. I have an amazing family, church family, work family and faith that has been my anchor through it all. I have a 14 year old daughter, Lana Belle, who is my pride and joy. I cannot imagine leaving her and my amazing husband Zack. All throughout my life, God has been there through all the mistakes, pain, growth, and celebrations! In the first half of 2024 I went through a chemotherapy regimen December 26th thru April 9th. After that I had a radiation and chemotherapy combo into early June. The destruction it had on my body was nothing I could imagine, but scans showed the tumor was gone! In a follow-up scope, two spots were found. The recommendation was to surgically remove them, which they did on September 11th. They came back Benign! God is so good. The likelihood of the cancer returning in the first two years is a coin flip. However, I believe I have been healed. This journey has brought me to my knees, allowed me to be vulnerable in ways I never was before and design a future that I am determined to achieve! Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer, and estimates state that 1 in 3 adults ages 45+ are NOT being screened as recommended. There is a 1 IN 25 lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer (1 in 23 for men, 1 in 26 for women). Together, we can help change these numbers. Join me and the movement to impact my local community.

Thank you for your help supporting raise money for this cause! Sarah