The BASICS about CONNIE BELDEN

Name: Connie Belden

Diagnosis date: Stage I colon cancer on October 6, 2006

Age: 32

ON SURVIVING CANCER:

Where were you when you found out you had colon cancer? I was at work. They called me at 5pm in the afternoon, right when I was leaving. Then I had to drive home; I was not a happy camper.

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with colon cancer? I was convinced it was a mistake.

What were your symptoms? I’d dealt with colitis for two or three years and was hospitalized for it in 2006. I had cramping and sweating. I was in the hospital for a few days with that. When discharged, they suggested I get a colonoscopy. I’m glad I listened to them. Although I work in a hospital each day, it didn’t really influence me to get screened. I assumed I was too young for colon cancer, and that my symptoms and discomfort were just from colitis.

What did your treatment involve? Sigmoid resection that removed the tumor that they found.

What was the hardest part about treatment? The surgery itself.

What got you through cancer treatment? My family. My kids were in elementary school so I took things one day at a time. Husband is a cancer survivor of melanoma so he was helpful.

Does cancer run in your family? Believe it or not gall bladder does, but no history of colon.

WHAT HAS SURVIVING COLON CANCER TAUGHT YOU…

About life? Don’t sweat the little stuff

About family? They’re the most important.

About your body? I need to listen to it.

Do you do anything now that you didn’t before, thanks to cancer? Our diet is much more healthy; we’re much more conscious of what we feed the kids and ourselves.

Has cancer changed your life for the better in any ways? I am a nagging advocate in my place of employment and my family about colon cancer and screening. People roll their eyes when I start talking about it now.

What do you hope your message and survival story will do for others? Early detection. I hope people realize that just because you have the diagnoses doesn’t make it a death sentence. You still have a 93% cure rate when it’s stage 1. You have to listen to your body when it’s trying to tell you something.

RANDOM INFO ABOUT CONNIE

Family: husband Scott and 2 kiddos (Parker and Cameron)

Job? Radiologic Technologist

First job? McDonalds

Hobbies?  I love to read fiction, trashy romance novels and the “classics.” I’m reading through list of “books you should read before you die.” Outside of that I cart my kids around everywhere.

Pets? 2 rescue dogs – a black lab and boxer mutt

Where are you from? I grew up in Clark Summit, PA and live in Collegeville, PA

Crazy Irrational Fear? Boats

Craziness? To get nurses attention during surgery, I would start to tell dirty jokes over the intercom.

The BASICS about DAN WILSON

Name: Dan Wilson

Diagnosis date: Stage III colon cancer in December 2005

Age: 47

ON SURVIVING CANCER:

Where were you when you found out you had colon cancer? At first, I thought I had hemorrhoids. My brother-in-law is a doctor and my sister is a nurse. The worse my symptoms got, the more worried I became. They advised me to get it checked up. I had a great doc who sent me in for a colonoscopy. I woke up from the procedure seeing a picture of my cancer.

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with colon cancer? It couldn’t happen to me.

What were your symptoms? Bleeding, fatigue, nauseated

What did your treatment involve? I had surgery for a resection and then six months of chemo.

What was the hardest part about treatment? Having neuropathy and not being able to do the things I normally did.

What got you through cancer treatment? Being a marathoner, I was always anxious to get back in shape. I ran a 6-hour marathon while I was on chemo and I had a treatment the next day. I took the medal into the oncologist and showed her I ran a marathon. I just had to do it.

Does cancer run in your family? My aunt had colon cancer and another aunt had another type of cancer. My sister had throat cancer. I had genetic testing, but nothing came of that.

WHAT HAS SURVIVING COLON CANCER TAUGHT YOU…

About life? Don’t take things for granted. A lot of people take stuff for granted… they worry that this and that’s going to happen. We could be here today and gone tomorrow. I definitely appreciate life more.

About family? The ones who helped get me through were most of my family. They showed so much love and support.

About your body? I’ve always heard rumors about studies on athletes saying your immune system can get run down and doesn’t have chance to fight diseases. A lot of ultra runners are getting cancer. I wonder if it’s because their immune systems are down, and that has anything to do with it. I still try to eat healthy and stay fit.

Do you do anything now that you didn’t before, thanks to cancer? I got married.

Has cancer changed your life for the better in any ways? I respect people a lot more. Before cancer I was always stressed out. I don’t let things bother me anymore. I’m a little bit more laid back because life is so precious now. It took awhile to get back in shape but incredibly, in 2007 I ran all of my fastest times ever for 50miles, marathons, 50ks, 100-mile races and more.

What do you hope your message and survival story will do for others? I hope it keeps people positive and encourages them to have a positive attitude. That’s what you need to keep going.

RANDOM INFO ABOUT DAN

Family: wife – Beiyi. Because they met through fitness and both loved running, they ran 7 miles to the top of a Denver mountain at their wedding, changed clothes and got married on a mountaintop, and then ran back down in their wedding attire.

Job? Commercial construction

Collect anything?  Medals from marathons and ultras

Hobbies? It took me 6 years to run the 50 states in 2004; I finished in Honolulu, HI and jumped in the ocean afterwards.

Where are you from? Denver, CO

Craziness? THREE WEEKS after I was finished with all of my treatments I ran Pike’s Peak marathon. (It was my slowest time ever by 2 hours) But, I finished it, was my 11^th. I don’t think people enjoyed being passed by someone who had just finished chemo.

Roger is an avid runner, Steelers fan (although he’s from Texas) and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Read on to learn a little bit more about him.

The BASICS about ROGER ROJAS

Name: Roger Rojas

Diagnosis date: October 7, 2008 at age 32 with Stage III rectal cancer.

ON SURVIVING CANCER:

Where were you when you found out you had colon cancer? At the doctor’s office.

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with colon cancer? I was in shock, it completely blew me away.

What were your symptoms? A little bit of constipation, and that was it.

What did your treatment involve? I had chemo 7 days/week and radiation 5 days/week. Then I had surgery, and after that 6 more months of chemo.

What was the hardest part about treatment? Not having the energy to play with my children. My kids were young and wanting to do things and I had to force myself to do little things with them.

Any recurrances? A few scares, but no recurrance.

What got you through cancer treatment? I wanted to show people that cancer doesn’t mean you’re going to die. I wanted to show people that you can live after cancer.

WHAT HAS SURVIVING COLON CANCER TAUGHT YOU…

About your body?  I’m not indestructible. For awhile I thought I was on top of the world and nothing could throw me off but cancer got me.

About life? Don’t sweat the small stuff.

About family? They’re the most important thing to me.

Do you do anything now that you didn’t before, thanks to cancer? I started running.  It’s made me look at things in different ways. I have to stop and realize that I’m just happy to be here. I don’t take things for granted anymore.

Does cancer run in your family? There is a family history of cancer – grandmother had bone and aunt had colon. My dad had a benign colon tumor size of orange.

What do you hope your message and survival story will do for others? I hope it keeps people positive and a positive attitude. That’s what you need to keep going.

RANDOM INFO ABOUT ROGER

Family: Carmen – wife and 3 kids – Frankie, Adrian and Cristi

Job? Industrial Engineer

Collect anything?  Tennis shoes and hats

Hobbies? Running, Pittsburgh Steelers, hanging with my family and the weather channel.

Where are you from? Kingsville, TX.

Preferred toilet paper brand? Scott

Please join us in celebrating our next round of Colondar models!

Gals in the 2013 Colondar

Dawn Gagliardi- Smyrna, GA

Priscilla King- Marion, TX

Kerryn Miller- Seattle, WA

Kelly Kuster- Milwaukee, WI

Carolyn Hunt- Calabasas, CA

Patricia Tucker- Elmira, NY

Meaghan Volk- Peoria, AZ

Guys in the 2013 Colondar:

Nate Bond- Brooklyn, NY

Doug Dallmann- Portland, OR

Eric Hyatt- Gibson City, IL

Brian Novak- Boulder, CO

Brian Threlkeld- North Varmouth, ME

We cannot wait to share their amazing stories with you all!

Belle Piazza is a charming mom of two and avid gardener from Battle Ground, WA. She’s fun, spirited and a fighter. Read on to learn a little bit more about Belle.

The BASICS about BELLE PIAZZA

Name: Belle Piazza
Diagnosis date: October 23, 2007 (a day before her son’s 5th birthday) with stage IIIc rectal cancer at age 43
Currently undergoing chemotherapy.

ON SURVIVING CANCER:

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with colon cancer? It didn’t really sink in until after the surgery when they told me how many lymph nodes were involved. I was initially diagnosed with stage II and went straight to surgery, not planning on chemo and radiation. During surgery, they removed 38 lymph nodes and 27 had cancer. When the pathology report came back we learned that initial reports weren’t accurate; a lot of lymph nodes were involved.

What were your symptoms? I experienced increased frequency of bathroom use, urgency, bright red blood on toilet paper and I was passing blood when I passed gas.  Anytime I ate, I had to run to the bathroom. Anything in my stomach made me go to the restroom. But, I didn’t have any pain.

What did your treatment involve? Surgery, a temporary ileostomy for a year, 10 rounds of chemo, 2 rounds of Zelota, chemo/radiation combo with 30 radiation treatments for 6 weeks, an ileostomy reversal, hernia repairs, and VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery). I’m currently on chemo.

Worst thing about treatment? In radiation I experienced constant pain; I couldn’t lie flat and had to sit in a chair because it hurt to straighten out. It burned my skin.

What got you through cancer treatment? My friends and my amazing support group. Also, The Colon Club. When I get bad news, The Colon Club is the first place I go because the people there “get it.” I’ve had tremendous support from friends – friends who help me in the garden, watch my kids, go with me to chemo, cook for me and more. They’ve provided so much support in every way.

WHAT HAS SURVIVING COLON CANCER TAUGHT YOU…

About your body?  It’s just a body, it’s not who you are.

About life? Humility.

Do you do anything now that you didn’t before, thanks to cancer? Not really because I’ve always done whatever I wanted to do; it hasn’t made me a better person. I have no regrets.

Does cancer run in your family? My father died of colon cancer at 67.

RANDOM INFO ABOUT BELLE

Family: Stephen – husband. I also have 2 kids -  Amber and Michael

Job? Stay at home mom!

First job? Cloth World

Hobbies: Gardening, home canning and cooking from my garden produce, wine tasting, bird watching

Favorite vegetable to grow? Corn

Where are you from? Originally from Phoenix, AZ and later moved to Washington State

Preferred toilet paper brand? Charmin Ultra Soft

David Dubin is a three-time cancer survivor from Haworth, NJ. You might have already read his Colondar bio to learn about his story of cancer survival, but here are some other fun facts that you may not have known about our Mr. January 2012. We sat down with him at the photo shoot and got the full scoop…

The BASICS about DAVID DUBIN

Name: David Dubin
Diagnosis date: December 1996 with stage II colon cancer at age 29
Months/Years in remission: Diagnosed 3 times now, last time was kidney 2 years ago

ON SURVIVING CANCER:

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with colon cancer? Surprised but not shocked. It ran in my family; my dad and grandfather had it.

What were your symptoms? Bleeding, felt like trying to pass a golf ball.

What did your treatment involve? Surgery, since it had spread to some lymph nodes and 6 months of chemo.

Any recurrences? Had colon recurrence in May 2007; spot on kidney February 2009.

Worst thing about treatment? At 29, the loss of invulnerability that you’re supposed to feel in your 20s.

What got you through cancer treatment? The mindset that it beat the alternative. Also, mango sorbet.

WHAT HAS SURVIVING COLON CANCER TAUGHT YOU…

About your body? It’s awfully complicated. Your body has a way of really keeping you aware of yourself. It tells you when something’s wrong but also has a way of fixing itself even if only temporary.

About life? Awfully temporary. We’re just a piece of history. What do you want to be remembered for and how should motivate you on how you live.

Do you do anything now that you didn’t before, thanks to cancer? I balance of work time vs. non-work time. Give more of my time to not-for-profits whether that’s being elected official or in the community – local or online.

How has cancer changed your life for the better? It puts things in perspective; helps prioritize.

Does cancer run in your family? I have Lynch Syndrome, my dad and grandpa both had colon cancer as well as my older brother.

How does it feel to have Lynch Syndrome? It’s disappointing but it’s not devastating. Almost everybody goes through life with some sort of road block or obstacle to get over and until you know what it is, it’s hard to focus on it.

RANDOM INFO ABOUT DAVID

Family: Robin – wife of 18 years. I also have 3 boys – Zachary, Corey, Maxwell.

Job? Depends on the day; own a medical supply business – irony is that we sell ostomy supplies. I also do professional voice over work.

First job? Delivering newspapers on long island via bicycle

Preferred toilet paper brand? Quilted Northern

Most interesting place you’ve lived? New Orleans; I went to school there and played college soccer.

What do you do for fun? I am a NY Giants fan, love the Barcelona international soccer team, I love to play soccer, be involved in the community, bake and I blog for therapy.

Read David’s Blog.

Colon Cancer Survivor Gift Guide

What to get that special someone in your life…

1. Blue Star Jewelry

Not to “toot” our own horn – but if you’ve got a lady in your life who’s defied the odds and kicked some cancer tail, consider getting her one of these pieces of jewelry from our store. The “blue star” pendants are to die for, and absolutely stunning. We’ve got blue star necklaces and bracelets – both which make great gifts!

2. Workout Stuff

There have been headline after headline lately about the benefits of exercise – with one being cancer prevention. Odds are that survivor in your life has heard this, and is finding ways to get in a workout routine once in awhile. Some ideas for their goals could include nice workout shirts or jackets (like the ones in the Get Your Rear in Gear store), racing shorts, a running hat or even shoes. Or, here’s a great hard plastic travel cup! If they have the gear, consider a workout video or some new equiptment!

3. Cookbooks for Healthy Cooking

Going hand-in-hand with exercise is healthy eating. Many survivors are looking for new recipes when it comes to their diets and their colons. Some who’ve had resections struggle with IBS-type symptoms. Others have constipation. And then some even deal with Crohn’s and Colitis, and are looking for good meal ideas. Consider this IBS Cookbook, or even a Crohn’s and colitis cookbook for your special someone.

4. Lessons for Something FUN!

Part of surviving cancer involves realizing that life is full of opportunities! Has your leading lady always wanted to learn ballroom? Has that survivor husband of yours always wanted to improve his golf swing? Consider signing up for lessons – either individually or together! It’s a gift that doesn’t only give a great experience, but lifelong memories – which is what we’re all about!

5. A New Magazine, Book, Amazon Gift card or Kindle!

We probably don’t have to tell you, but we will anyway. Colon cancer survivors um, spend some considerable time in the bathroom. So, why not boost their time with some new reading material? Get them a magazine subscription, or even a new book. Or if you have no clue here to start – get an Amazon gift card. Or if you’re really generous, look into a Kindle or an iPad for your tech-savvy survivor who’s moved on to digital reading!

6. A 2012 Colondar

Last but not least, if your colon cancer survivor doesn’t own a copy of the Colondar, you must give it to them. These calendars aren’t simply a way to track days and events – they’re inspirational pieces that will give your survivor hope and encouragement that they’re not alone. Buy one now – and even buy two, and give one to a friend. It’s one of the best gifts for a survivor, we promise!

The Colon Club is happy to unveil the next group of thirteen remarkable colon/rectal cancer survivors.

Set in the natural outdoors of the Lake George, NY area, this baby is one-of-a-kind.

Models bravely reveal their surgical scars surrounded by rolling hills, blue skies and the natural outdoors. Each photo shows that there is beauty in cancer survival, even as unnatural or unusual as colon cancer before age 50 can be.

Buy a 2012 Colondar!

The 2012 Colondar Models | Colon Cancer Survivors

The 2012 Colondar features twelve new models that come from all over the United States. As always, our beautiful and amazing Erika Kratzer graces the cover as an 11-year, stage IV colon cancer survivor.

• January – David Dubin – Haworth, NJ
• February – Belle Piazza – Battle Ground, WA
• March – Roger Rojas – Kingsville, TX
• April – Dan Wilson – Denver, CO
• May – Connie Belden – Collegeville, PA
• June – Kim Hall Jackson – Philadelphia, PA
• July – Tim Maiorca – Hubbard, OH
• August – Melissa Bates – Kewenee, IL
• September – Adam Benlon – Shawnee, KS
• October – Staci Wills – Canfield, OH
• November – Paige Hartmann – Worcester, MA
• December – Reagan Barnett – Mobile, AL

Photographed by the fabulous Mark McCarty and designed by the wickedly talented Troy Burns, the calendar is a beautiful work of art put together by an all-star team. We’re proud to add this to our shelf and welcome the new models into our family.

Learn More about The Colondar by The Colon Club

For 8 years, models have revealed their stunning abdominal scars as a way to represent their strength and shocking journey. The Colondar has won several design awards and is respected throughout the colon cancer community and beyond. Dedicated to stage IV survivor Erika Kratzer, each year’s cover model, the Colondar furthers Kratzer’s mission to connect young survivors with one another and share a message of hope.

Learn more about the Colondar!

2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011

Questions about Colon Cancer? Talk on our Message Boards!