Weei/nesn Jimmy Fund Radio-telethon

  Kristen Van de Geer was living in Alaska, where her husband was stationed in the Coast Guard, and was experiencing stomach pains. As a teenager, she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, but with a family history of colon cancer and her mother’s passing in 2017 from gallbladder cancer, she wanted to be sure that nothing else was wrong. For 5 years, she was given different reasons for her stomach pains but never referred for the colonoscopy.  Eventually, Kristin got her gallbladder removed. ·       In 2022 a doctor agreed to perform a colonoscopy too. A single “wonky polyp” was discovered which led to a rectal cancer diagnosis in early 2023. ·       Now living in Massachusetts, Kristen followed a chemotherapy treatment plan and had two surgeries: one to remove the polyp and one for a resection. Kristen’s focus on seeking and embracing joy during treatment helped her through the most difficult times. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her husband, her sisters, and extended friends and