MICHAEL WEST

Michael West chose to take part in clinical trials to get excellent care while helping increase knowledge of new treatments.

After four years in the Navy, Michael went back to college. During a visit to a school nurse his senior year, she noticed he was pale and ran tests that showed anemia and blood in his stool. After more testing, Michael was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, and his doctor recommended that he enter a clinical trial. Michael decided to participate after realizing that he could get the newest treatments, much of it would be free and he could help other patients. Michael knows that research studies come with some risks, but even after careful consideration, sometimes the best decision is to just take the leap.