EDEN STOTSKY

Stage III Rectal Cancer

Age at Diagnosis: 26

Story Published on September 2004

Eden Stotsky, now 33, started noticing subtle changes at the age of 18, and had many symptoms of colorectal cancer at one time or another – abdominal cramping, narrow stools, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

After being misdiagnosed for eight years, she was finally told it was stage III rectal cancer. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Eden has been cancer free for over seven years. As a long-term survivor, Eden has turned her passion for educating people about colorectal cancer into a full-time job.

Eden received her treatment at the Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center, and has worked there as a health educator, patient advocate and program coordinator for three years. She volunteers for the Colon Cancer Alliance, the American Cancer Society, and the Dr. Michael Feinglass Foundation. Eden has been honored with the 2004 Healthcare Heroes Award for Volunteer in Healthcare, the Johns Hopkins Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Community Service, and the American Cancer Society’s Youth Education Award.

Eden also sits on the Board of Directors of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. To learn more, visit www.ulmanfund.org.