From Pain to Purpose

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵: Although we have reached the last day of Colon Cancer Awareness Month the 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦𝗡'𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣! Young Onset Colorectal Cancer is on the 𝗥𝗶𝗦𝗲! Spread the word! Educate 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥self on colorectal cancer and 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗗! #HealthyGutsandButtsMatter #DontMissTheMessage #ForYouMom #FelitasLove #RelentlessChampion #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose https://www.instagram.com/p/CbxP3hIOXrk/?utm_medium=tumblr

I thank God every day for my friends... 💙 #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CbfbSOqLlfC/?utm_medium=tumblr

#DontMissTheMessage Reposted from @fightcrc “I received my diagnosis shortly after my 37th birthday, in January 2015. For all of December and most of January I underwent ultrasounds, numerous types of scans and blood tests to finally be told after my #colonoscopy that I had #coloncancer. “I was told in a private room after the procedure by the sweetest, most sympathetic doctor, who had performed my procedure. We had to wait for my friend, who was my ride home, to arrive. “I remember the words coming out of the doctor's mouth and just being relieved. I finally had an answer. “This explained the nodules we were seeing in my liver. I could finally move forward with actively addressing this monster, rather than sitting and waiting for the 'next test' to rule something out or reading things on the internet to worry me further. “It was the day I REALLY started living my life, honestly.” Jill MacDonald, #FightCRC Ambassador & Stage IV Survivor 💪💙 #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth #RelentlessChampion #StrongArmSelfie #colorectalcancer #CRCAdvocacy #PrioritizeCRC #80inEveryCommunity https://www.instagram.com/p/CbfEVC6gf0M/?utm_medium=tumblr

🗣I see you, Momma!!! I am fighting for you and everyone directly and indirectly touched by colorectal cancer. #ForYouMom Thank You @fightcrc for all that you do. 💙 #RelentlessChampion #FelitasLove #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose https://www.instagram.com/p/CbOJIFDpl_a/?utm_medium=tumblr

I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing panel with purposeful speakers. #ForYouMom 💙Reposted from @blackingastro #ICYMI: Last week, ABGH hosted its 2nd annual #colorectalcancerawarenessmonth event, ‘Let’s Beat #ColorectalCancer: An Update for the Black Community’. Find the webinar on blackingastro.org in a few weeks. These conversations save lives! 🙏🏾 #throwbackthursday #cancer #crcawarenessmonth #FelitasLove #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNwAC1pT4J/?utm_medium=tumblr

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟳 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 17 years ago, on March 17, 2005, I held my moms hand while she took her last breath. For 2 years, I watched her be a comforter, a leader, a provider, and a fighter of Stage 4 Colon Cancer. She was diagnosed with Colon Cancer at 43 years old. Someone asked me if the pain of her death would be easier to bare if I didn't watch her suffer, and she died from natural causes or was elderly. To be honest, I don't remember her "suffering" until towards the end of her life. You never know how you will feel until you are placed in that situation...but all I know is that my mom dying at 45 years old hurt like hell...still She was full of life and had so much life to live. We had life to live together and more memories to create. Now, I relish in the memories we created that carry me through life. One of the memories I will never forget is of her laying in her casket. My mom and I were two peas in a pod. I get mad at my daughters for not wanting to dress like me because my mom and I loved our mommy & me outfits and use to dress alike sometimes...even at her funeral (3rd pic). A day I wish I did not have to endure. It's those moments of "weakness" I do remember that keep me going. If my mom can fight for her life and push through the pain, why can't I, a healthy individual do the same...and that's why I keep moving forward even when I don't feel like it. I know she is watching over me, and I know I have to keep pushing for her and the legacy she created. My mom went to the doctor about her symptoms, but because she was not of age to get screened and appeared relatively healthy, her symptoms were dismissed as being something else. Don't take no for an answer! Colon cancer doesn't care about age, race, or gender. Some people may be at higher risk, BUTT nobody is invincible. Educate yourself, advocate for your health, and get screened! #DontMissTheMessage #ForYouMom #FelitasLove #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNGXx8ueHK/?utm_medium=tumblr

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟳 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 17 years ago, on March 17, 2005, I held my moms hand while she took her last breath. For 2 years, I watched her be a comforter, a leader, a provider, and a fighter of Stage 4 Colon Cancer. She was diagnosed with Colon Cancer at 43 years old. Someone asked me if the pain of her death would be easier to bare if I didn't watch her suffer, and she died from natural causes or was elderly. To be honest, I don't remember her "suffering" until towards the end of her life. You never know how you will feel until you are placed in that situation...but all I know is that my mom dying at 45 years old hurt like hell...still She was full of life and had so much life to live. We had life to live together and more memories to create. Now, I relish in the memories we created that carry me through life. One of the memories I will never forget is of her laying in her casket. My mom and I were two peas in a pod. I get mad at my daughters for not wanting to dress like me because my mom and I loved our mommy & me outfits and use to dress alike sometimes...even at her funeral (3rd pic). A day I wish I did not have to endure. It's those moments of "weakness" I do remember that keep me going. If my mom can fight for her life and push through the pain, why can't I, a healthy individual do the same...and that's why I keep moving forward even when I don't feel like it. I know she is watching over me, and I know I have to keep pushing for her and the legacy she created. My mom went to the doctor about her symptoms, but because she was not of age to get screened and appeared relatively healthy, her symptoms were dismissed as being something else. Don't take no for an answer! Colon cancer doesn't care about age, race, or gender. Some people may be at higher risk, BUTT nobody is invincible. Educate yourself, advocate for your health, and get screened! #DontMissTheMessage #ForYouMom #FelitasLove #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNF3Bbu5IK/?utm_medium=tumblr

I'm happy to announce that the Governor of Florida and the Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, fulfilled my proclamation request and declared March as 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝! 💙 Thank you, @flgovrondesantis, and @lennycurry for the recognition. Thank you, @fightcrc, for your guidance and support. 💙 To support and learn more about colorectal cancer, go to: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿? https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/about-colorectal-cancer/ 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲/𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲: https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/end-of-year-giving-2021/ #ForYouMom #FelitasLove #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness  #ColonCancerSucks #Hearts4Blue #FromPaintoPurpose #RelentlessChampion https://www.instagram.com/p/CazpNwnO-d3/?utm_medium=tumblr

Yesterday was #DressInBlue Day, and I obliged accordingly. The month of March is bittersweet because it's the month my mom died and Colon Cancer Awareness Month. I bask in the glory of knowing that I am using my voice as a vessel to bring awareness to an illness that not only took the life of my mom, but has taken the life of many others. By 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to be the #1 cancer killer of people 20-49. We have eight years to change this course. Will you take action and join in the fight for more? FightCRC.org/TakeAction https://www.instagram.com/p/CaudRiBu3Yv/?utm_medium=tumblr

Colorectal (CRC) cancer is preventable with screening and take-home options. By knowing your risk factors, signs, and symptoms, you may be able to catch CRC at its earliest stage. Connect with @fightcrc to educate YOURself and if you are experiencing symptoms, get YOUR butt checked! #ColonCancer #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerAwarenessMonth #ColonCancerSucks #ForYouMom https://www.instagram.com/p/CalHLdYpxP-/?utm_medium=tumblr

My mom died 17 days after my 22 birthday. Birthdays were always special to us. We celebrated our birthdays every year like it was a holiday. When I turned 22 she was bedridden and unable to celebrate with me due to her declining health. My mom made sure to get me a birthday card that my grandfather signed for her because she was too weak to sign it. When she presented me with the card she sat up in bed and gave me a hug so tight I still feel it today. I'm in tears as I type this, reflecting on that special moment between us. I miss her so much, Lord knows I do. Even at her weakest she still made sure my birthday, our last birthday together was memorable. My mom was 45 when she died. Young, vibrant and full of life! I cherish growing older because it's a gift not afforded to everyone. Life is a privilege denied to many and as long as I have life, I will live it for me and my angel(s) in Heaven. #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CakLGNMryFw/?utm_medium=tumblr

Amen! 💙 #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CakGt2rLKwK/?utm_medium=tumblr

T H I S #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzjMGQJIOE/?utm_medium=tumblr

I thank God for divine friendships and connections. You are the real MVP! 💙 #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CZKFKYkL3cN/?utm_medium=tumblr

Be gentle... #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/felitaslove/p/CYKphHHpHEJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

#Message 🗣 #MomLife #Support https://www.instagram.com/p/CYCQYuOpzHu/?utm_medium=tumblr

💚💚💚💚 #FelitasLove #GrievingDaughter #ColonCancer #Grief #MissYouMom #GriefIsUniversal #LifeAfterDeath #FromPaintoPurpose  #ColonCancerAwareness #ColonCancerPrevention #ColonCancerCaregivers #Hearts4Blue #ColonCancerSucks #P2P #BeEncouraged #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfLove #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #FoodForThought https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5QRb6sKxN/?utm_medium=tumblr