Birmingham, AL Colon Cancer Survivor to appear in national campaign for those under 50 being diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in National Magazine, “On the Rise”

March 4, 2019 -- Behind a message of “On the Rise,” a national magazine highlighting young adults under the age of 50 being diagnosed at an alarming rate with colorectal cancer. Birmingham resident, April Richelle will be one of nine people featured in this national magazine publication. Richelle was diagnosed with colon cancer at the young age of 26, with Stage II Colon Cancer. April has been in remission for 6 years and is thriving, becoming a state and national advocate for colon cancer prevention and awareness, and highlights her personal story for The Colon Club. In addition, Richelle and the other models featured in this year’s publication of “On the Rise” will join forces with Fight CRC in Washington D.C. in March 2019, to lobby for additional cancer research funds and policy change for colon cancer prevention.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the U.S. of men and women combined. Richelle battled her disease undergoing only one chemotherapy treatment before having to stop, due to having DPD deficiency. Richelle is working to spread colorectal cancer advocacy with the hopes that her story will help save lives.

“Modeling for the magazine has not only boosted my confidence but I has also increased my eagerness to want to help other young adults who are unheard, overlooked, and misdiagnosed. I was given a second chance to fly for a reason and I feel like advocating is it,” states Richelle.

Richelle’s story is one of nine stories published in the 2019 publication of “On the Rise.” This magazine published by The Colon Club, allows for young people, under the age of 50, to share their colon cancer story. The national non-for-profit organization features survivors and caregivers to share their experiences of being diagnosed with the second most deadly cancer out there.

Trish Lannon, the President of The Colon Club shared: “April is using her voice to help others be aware of their bodies. Specifically, in regards to her DPD deficiency, April had to learn how to advocate for herself at a young age, knowing that something was not right with her body during treatment. Knowing just how important your voice is, makes April’s voice all the more powerful as we continue to campaign for early detection, listening to your body, and catching this disease as early as possible.”

To learn more about The Colon Club, please visit their website: www.colonclub.com

 

About Colorectal Cancer

Colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer) make up the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined. Each year there’s over 130,000 cases and 50,000 deaths. The disease is preventable with screening, and 90 percent curable in most cases. One in 20 people will be diagnosed with the disease. Although incidence rates over the past decade have decreased among those age-eligible for screenings, early-onset colorectal cancer (occurrences in those under age 50) are on the rise. Discussions with a doctor about screening and knowledge of signs and symptoms are critical steps for prevention.

About The Colon Club

The Colon Club connects young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer so they never have to feel alone. Our mission is to educate as many people as possible, specifically young adults, educating them about the risk factors, genetic precursors, and symptoms of colorectal cancer, and for people to get screened when it is appropriate for them.