Less than 2 years ago, during a routine colonoscopy they found a large mass in my mother's colon. Being in the oncology field, I knew exactly what that meant... my mother had cancer. A realization that did not come easy to any of us, as she wasn't even 50 years old yet. The amazing healthcare team at Winona Health in Minnesota got her into surgery as soon as they could to remove the primary mass in her colon and a metastatic mass that moved to her ovary. Her surgery was the longest 8 hours of my life, but I knew she was in good hands. After the removal of the tumors, she had to undergo 6 months of an aggressive chemotherapy to ensure the cancer had not spread further than the spot on her ovary. Having to undergo chemo is a grueling thing on the body, but not once did my mom complain. We all knew the toll it took on her physically and mentally, but she kept a smile on her face the entire time. Not to mention she continued working as a Physician's Assistant all through treatment. Not many people could handle what she has with such grace. My mother is the strongest woman I know. She continues to share her story with our community and so many others to promote listening to your body. I am beyond grateful to everyone in the community who has shown my mother support over the past year during this scary journey, to the healthcare providers who have given my mom the best of care, and to my mother for never giving up. We are doing this walk to help with the fight against colon cancer!! Please donate if you can, as the proceeds go to Colon Cancer Patients in the Charlotte community. Thanks!