“The looks on their faces said it all. I had Stage 3B colon cancer. I was in a state of shock. Everything after that was a blur,” she says.
She acquired an oncology referral and mountains of data to learn and soak up. She had a port inserted so she might obtain chemotherapy. “It was the first day of school, and all I could think about was how I was going to tell my husband and four kids.”
Finding Her Calling
A girl of sturdy religion, Marielle knew that her colorectal most cancers struggle was “never about me.” She vowed to do all the pieces attainable to see her youngsters develop up. That included present process 14 rounds of chemo, one in every of which prompted a extreme allergic response that just about killed her.
This life-altering expertise made her rethink what she needed to do along with her life. When she completed all her therapies, Marielle determined she was prepared for a profession change. One afternoon whereas she was looking on-line for jobs, an inventory popped up: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (the Alliance) wanted a bilingual affected person navigator. Although she hadn’t heard of the Alliance till then, it appeared like an indication from above.
“I’m Latina, and I speak Spanish. I’ve always had jobs helping the underserved, so I applied that day.” Shortly afterwards, she was employed.
As a affected person navigator, Marielle educates folks about colorectal most cancers screenings and coverings. She works with sufferers and their caregivers, lots of them from susceptible communities. She accompanies them by way of their journey to wellness, connecting them to every kind of sources, together with monetary help, if wanted.
Cycles of Impact
According to the Alliance, Black folks have the best charges of colorectal most cancers of any racial/ethnic group within the U.S. They are each 20 p.c extra prone to get colorectal most cancers, and 40 p.c extra prone to die from the illness, than non-Hispanic whites.
That’s why Independence Blue Cross and the Alliance have collaborated on Cycles of Impact, a complete new most cancers screening and prevention program designed to enhance well being fairness. The program particularly addresses the numerous discount in colorectal most cancers screening charges amongst Black Philadelphians because the pandemic began.
Cycles of Impact goals to display screen no less than 2,400 folks in Philadelphia and stop no less than 60 most cancers diagnoses throughout its three-year pilot interval. Independence Blue Cross is investing $2.5 million on this initiative.
Paying It Forward
Marielle isn’t shy to share her private story, particularly if it will probably persuade somebody who’s hesitant to get screened.
She additionally needs youthful folks to know that her expertise is turning into extra widespread. In reality, colorectal most cancers charges in younger persons are rising by about two p.c yearly, in response to the Alliance. By 2030, researchers predict that colorectal most cancers would be the main reason behind most cancers deaths in folks ages 20 – 49.
Marielle advises folks to find out about their household medical historical past to see in the event that they is likely to be at the next threat of growing the illness. “Don’t wait until your mom or favorite aunt gets cancer. You need to be intentional about these discussions, even if they are uncomfortable. There’s no perfect time to talk about these things.”
In July 2022, 5 years after her analysis, Marielle acquired the excellent news that her most cancers is in remission. It has been a troublesome journey, however she’s grateful for every day, and for having the ability to assist others of their time of want.
“My mantra is to help just one person,” she stated. “My faith showed me my purpose and now I can use it for the greater good.”
For extra details about colorectal most cancers screenings, go to ccalliance.org.