Crystal has been battling Stage 4 colon cancer for over two years. Yet, she remains fiercely dedicated to educating others about colon cancer and the importance of early screenings, in an effort to save lives.
Join us on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 as we walk “in Crystal’s shoes” to collectively celebrate and pay tribute to her message of advocacy, solidarity and friendship!
My name is Matthew, a close friend, cancer survivor, and fellow psychologist. When I learned that Crystal was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, I was astonished. How could someone so vibrant, healthy and full of life… with no risk factors… be stricken this way? In talking with Crystal, she has since taught me many things. Did you know:
- The age for colon cancer screening has been lowered from 50 to 45.
- One in five colon cancer patients are diagnosed between the ages of twenty and fifty-four
- Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
- Over 75% of colon and rectal cancers happen to people with no known family history
- Symptoms of colon cancer can include no symptoms at all
- Symptoms of colon cancer often do not appear until later stages, when they are more difficult to treat
- When detected early, colon cancer is 90% curable
- Having a family history can double to triple the risk of colon cancer
Despite undergoing numerous surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and septic shock, Crystal remains dedicated to promoting awareness and educating others about her illness, particularly the importance of early colon cancer screenings. Her heroism and continued selflessness… at a time when she has every reason in the world to be totally focused on herself… has been incredibly inspiring.
Through the collective efforts of many, including our partners at the Colon Cancer Coalition, we want to help Crystal on her relentless advocacy mission by educating others about her illness, in an effort to reduce suffering and save lives.
Help us get Crystal’s word out across the country, by “walking in her shoes” on Saturday, December 4th!
If you would like to learn more about the history of our advocacy mission, you may also visit our GoFundMe page at https://gofundme/f4317489.
WHAT: A national, virtual one-mile (or more) walk, to show support for Crystal’s continued advocacy efforts (while she undergoes treatment of colon cancer for the second time in two years) as well as for Matthew’s efforts to advocate on her behalf, as he attempts to walk 100 miles “in her shoes” in one day (as a participant in the Daytona 100 ultramarathon).
LOCATION: Anywhere you want!
FEES: $5 for the virtual walk. A personal fundraising page is included. Fundraising is not required but highly encouraged, to promote further awareness of the importance of colon cancer screenings and to raise funds to support those screenings.
*Can’t participate in the collective virtual walk on December 4th? You may walk at any time before December 31st.
Share anything Walk A Mile (or more) In Crystal's Shoes related (photos, videos, motivation, etc.) on social media using #walkincrystalsshoesso we can see you.
2.jpg){kind=logo}
