Randolph’s Reyes raising awareness for Colorectal Cancer

Evelyn Reyes, of Randolph, was a young, healthy 33-year-old when she was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.  

Now she is using her voice to raise awareness within Hispanic and Latinx communities through the national nonprofit Fight Colorectal Cancer.

A Dominican American herself, Reyes hopes others will hear her story and know that resources are available. 

In 2004, Reyes endured two rounds of chemo, five weeks of radiation, four major surgeries, cancer growth (metastases), infections, blood clots and pneumonia. She is happy to report that today she is “alive and slaying cancer.” 

She continues to raise her voice by being an advocate, sharing her story and distributing resources to the people who need them most. She’s especially passionate about reaching Caribbean, South and Central American communities. 

“There is a lack of awareness that a young Latina can get colon cancer,” Reyes said. “Many people in the community don’t know about it or think that it could not happen to them. We can fix this problem with more awareness.”  

To raise awareness in the Hispanic and Latinx community, Fight CRC has developed credible and medically-reviewed resources in Spanish about colon and rectal cancers so patients and their families can make informed decisions about their healthcare. All of Fight CRC’s online educational materials are free, including, "Your Guide in the Fight," a three-part publication series designed for CRC patients to guide them from the day of diagnosis into survivorship. 

According to the American Cancer Society, “Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics, accounting for 21% of deaths.”  

And according to the National Institutes of Health, “Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the third cause of mortality from cancer in the Hispanic population.” 

“Colorectal cancer does not discriminate,” said Fight CRC President Anjee Davis. “It can happen to anyone. We are dedicated to providing resources for all communities impacted by this disease. Education is critical. By translating our resources into Spanish, we hope to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health." 

To access all of Fight CRC’s Spanish-speaking resources, visit http://FightCRC.org/espanol.