Thanks to you, progress is possible. Help us keep the momentum going!
Hello Friends! My name is Dana, and I am going through a stage 3 colorectal cancer journey! My family has been more than blessed by CourtStrong! Shon and his foundation have helped my family see the light at the end of the tunnel! CourtStrong financially got me through the holiday months, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the help to get those bills paid and for the Christmas support it gave me! I’m telling you—it was a Christmas my kids will never forget!! From essential needs to my kids’ wants, CourtStrong helped us along every avenue I came across! I am hell-bent on living through this diagnosis and want to share my story and testimony as long as I live!
Before my diagnosis, I was very well and health-conscious, always making sure to take care of myself and my family. I did everything I could to give my kiddos the life I never had and the one I wholeheartedly felt they deserved! On January 9, 2025, I was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer—a completely unexpected and life-changing moment. As a single mom to four wonderful, understanding, and helpful children, and as my family's only source of income, I did everything I could to keep our lives as “normal” as possible. But everything changed after my diagnosis and the surgeries that followed.
On March 24, 2026, I underwent an abdominal perineal resection, posterior pelvic exenteration with vaginectomy, and a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to address the perineal defect. As part of these procedures, my rectum, distal sigmoid, uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes, and part of my vagina were removed. The recovery has been incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally.
Since my diagnosis and surgery, I have had to stop most normal day-to-day things and am unable to do all the things with my children that they are used to because I simply get too tired, too fast. Even simple tasks like cooking a meal or standing to do the dishes have become exhausting. My doctors say I will be off work for at least 3 months. This has been a huge adjustment for all of us, and it’s been difficult not being able to be as active and present as I want to be. The funds raised will help support my recovery, daily needs, and my family as we work to regain our strength and adapt to this new reality.
Any support would mean so much to me and my family as we navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
