In the late summer of 2019, Erika Hanson Brown gave me a choice.

Use my voice to help others facing cancer, or stay on the sidelines.

I almost said no.

Saying yes was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Today on the podcast, Kelin and I chat with Erika, the visionary colon cancer survivor who founded COLONTOWN in 2011.

www.colontown.org

COLONTOWN improves the quality of life and outcomes for people with colorectal cancer, through shared knowledge, experience, and support.

It's an online community, created and operated entirely by colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and care partners. Colontownies are leaders of the ‘patient-to-patient’ movement, educating members on the science and latest advancements related to our disease.

COLONTOWN is structured in private groups on Facebook. The core neighborhood is “Downtown.” From there, members can participate in more than 120 neighborhoods that cater to all aspects of colorectal cancer. For example, “Four Corners” is for stage IV patients, and "Corner Cupboard" offers solutions to common side effects.