Hi, my name is AmberJean and I am April’s cousin. March 5, 2024 April was diagnosed with colon cancer after a routine colonoscopy. While we still wrap our minds around this diagnosis and treatment plan, I want to find a way to show support and love for April.

This month April will be 47 years old. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that 20% of diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under age 55. In 2023, an estimated 19,550 diagnoses and 3,750 deaths would be in people younger than 50. A 2024 report from the ACS, colorectal cancer has moved up from being the fourth leading cause of cancer death in both men and women under age 50 two decades ago to first in men and second in women.

April had no symptoms. This was an exam recommended for people age 45. As of right now there is a large mass in her sigmoid colon. She will undergo surgery in the beginning of May, and then have to go through chemotherapy after healing from surgery. Staging of her tumor will happen after surgery. So far she has had a colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI and an ultrasound to rule out metastatic cancer. As of right now there is no sign of metastasis.

April is a very hardworking person, and will continue to work through planned treatment (because you wouldn’t be able to tell her not to). Alex, Paxton and Lexi need our love through this time as well. This fundraiser is to provide updates on April’s cancer as well as provide a way for people to help take some of the financial weight off.