MEET BETSY, OUR CEASELESS CONNECTOR

I was living my dream life when my intellectually disabled sister, Pam, was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer in 2016. Pam was my person in this life and meant everything to me and to our family. As my world came crashing down upon this diagnosis, I knew I had to find a way to help her. Thankfully, I found COLONTOWN on day one, and I immediately applied to become a member.

I’ll never forget how I was welcomed and embraced from my very first interaction. I knew right then and there I had found my people. I also knew very early on that I absolutely had to turn my pain into purpose to help others, in the same way others were helping me. The hope, the support, and the education I found in COLONTOWN was the only way I was able to navigate my sister’s disease.

I was dedicated to pursuing the most advanced treatments from world class medical professionals for my sweet Pam, and COLONTOWN is where I learned it all. Pam endured numerous chemotherapies, surgeries, procedures, and hospital stays with a smile on her face and with a world-famous thumbs up. COLONTOWN became Pam’s family and mine. She loved meeting fellow patients and caregivers, both online and in person, and they certainly loved her. Sadly, Pam succumbed to her illness in December 2018.

I developed a passion for helping patients with liver metastases, and I knew that was how I wanted to start giving back. As I learned more and more about liver-directed treatment options and connected with top medical providers in the field, I became the host for our liver metastases groups, and then the Community Leader for all the neighborhoods providing resources for all metastases. I am excited to now serve the community as part of the COLONTOWN Cabinet as well, and I find true purpose in my ability to help others. I know that what my Pam endured, and all our family endured, was for a purpose, and that purpose is to help others during the worst times in their lives. Just as someone held my hand virtually from day one and provided me hope, I can now do that for others — and I know Pam is giving me her famous thumbs up every time I do so. These patients and caregivers are so very special to me, and I hope they know how deeply I care about them and about trying to support them each and every day.

Some of my work in COLONTOWN includes attendance at ASCO; ASCO GI; the Reusch Center annual symposiums on GI cancers; Call-on Congress; United in Blue; and more. Through these events, I help bring back the latest research and advancements to our community, and I rally together our Townies to participate in meaningful ways as well. I also feature a #SurvivorSaturday series, highlighting Stage IV patients as a source of hope, inspiration, and knowledge for others. Since 2021, I have been hosting a variety of educational events that we call DocTalks that are focused on helping Stage IV patients and caregivers become educated on the best treatment options available. These DocTalks are focused on metastatic disease, treatment options, second opinions, and helping patients have access to top medical providers in the colorectal cancer space. For the Lu Second Opinion Project, I assist with referrals of patients, promotion of the Project in all relevant groups for Stage IV patients, and clarification of information as needed.

COLONTOWN has truly become my life’s work, my joy, and my passion. I believe wholeheartedly in the work we do on behalf of patients, and I know that we are saving, extending, and making lives better. I am proud beyond words to be part of such an incredible organization and even more honored to be a leader within the 13,000+ members we are blessed to serve.