Hi, my name is Deon and I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the end of 2025.

I began having terrible pains in September 2025 while visiting my family in South Carolina. Unfortunately for me, I was 700 miles away from my PCP and had to go to the nearest emergency room. Here, I was simply told to go back home, rest, and take Tylenol. I became bedridden for 2 weeks with horrible abdominal and rectal pains. Using the bathroom was an absolute nightmare. Thanks to my mother and my aunts and their support, I was able to manage the pain until I got back home to New York.

So now I’m back in the city… I began by seeing my PCP, who referred me to multiple specialists. They ran so many tests, I pissed in so many cups, gave what seemed to be gallons of blood, and they still couldn’t figure out exactly why I was feeling the way I was feeling. Once again, they dismissed my pain and suggested I return home, take pain pills, and just lay down. Now I’m frustrated and I demand a colonoscopy. I pull a “John Q” and basically tell the doctor I wont leave his office without a colonoscopy. The doctor and his team leave the room, huddled outside, and ultimately come back and agree on the colonoscopy and then a biopsy.

Fast forward - The results finally come in and it’s stage 1 colorectal cancer! I cry, I laugh, I fully go on the biggest emotional roller coaster at the county fair. Once I come down to reality, I’m told the recommended treatment is surgery to remove the localized cancer.

Last week I underwent surgery to remove the cancerous growths and I can now say that the surgery went well and was a success!

Now it’s time to rest, heal, and fully recover. I have some emergency room visits that my insurance will not cover, so I’m asking for some help as these bills are quite substantial. The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward my medical bills and essential daily expenses. I live alone and I typically cook every day, but my strength is low, so I’m not in any position to prepare meals, which means I’ll need to order prepared meals. Your support will help ease the burden and allow me to concentrate on healing without the constant worry about medical bills.

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY!

Thankfully, I caught this early at stage 1. I beg of you, if you feel like something’s wrong or you feel off, please, I beg of you, do not hesitate to get checked out and always advocate for yourself and your health. Never let anyone downplay your symptoms. YOU KNOW YOUR BODY!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.