My name is Annie Henson. Krystn Shrieve Monroe is my big sister.

On Oct. 5, 2023, she had her first colonoscopy.

As she pushed her way through the mist, the fog and the haze of medical twilight, she opened her eyes to see her doctor, with his white coat, standing next to her hospital bed.

The doctor said a word … which she heard, recognized and registered, but still could not believe.

Cancer.

Krystn was diagnosed that day with stage 3 colon cancer. She wrote about her journey in a book she titled, Love and Light: How My Cancer Banished Darkness For All Time. One of the chapters, called Dear Ninnie, was about me.

Krystn was invited to book signings. She was asked to be a keynote speaker at events for cancer patients and survivors. She even appeared on the evening news with her surgeon to encourage people to get their colonoscopies. Krystn was determined to pay forward the love and light she’d received from friends and family.

Since then, Krystn has diligently scheduled scans and blood tests every six months. They all came back negative — until her most recent CT scan on Jan. 14, 2026.

The cancer is back. And it’s back with a vengeance.

Her cancer has spread or metastasized to her abdomen and to her left lung. Stage 4. Those words were hard for all of us to hear.

But if there’s anyone who’s been known to beat the odds … and if there’s anyone who can do it again … it’s my sister.

Today, Krystn met with a surgeon for a second opinion at the Moores Cancer Center at UCSD, which is known for specializing in colon cancer. She also met with a genetic counselor to run tests that will benefit three generations of our family.

On Thursday, Krystn is heading to City of Hope, where people come from across the nation and around the world to receive the best possibles treatment.

I’m launching this GoFundMe today, as we head into March, which is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It will help cover out-of-network and out-of-pocket expenses. I want her to have the best medical care possible from the best doctors out there.

Your generous gifts will help cover:

Krystn is upping her fight against cancer. But she's not just fighting cancer — she’s also fighting for time, for memories, for hope and for the best possible futures for her daughters.

Every donation, every post we share and every time we say a prayer, means the world to Krystn and her family.

Her favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Krystn is a fighter. And I have no doubt she’ll fight like never before.

She has a dear friend, Mike, a fellow director and writer who has worked with her at the University of San Diego for many years. When his boys are sad, Mike tells them, “Let it go … and let it rip!”

“Tomorrow is still yours, my friend,” Mike said to her, when he heard the news. “Let it rip!”

She adopted the mantra. She’s determined to be strong and brave. She’ll remain filled with optimism and hope. And, with your love and support, it’s my greatest hope that Krystn will continue to live in love and light for many years to come.

#LoveAndLight

#Phil413

#LetItRip