Young Mom Battling Colon Cancer – Let’s Help Her Fight!
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Help My Sister Tori-Lyn Ululani (Smythe) Lyons Fight Colon Cancer & Raise Awareness
Aloha friends, family, and kind-hearted people,
I am reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help in supporting my sister, Tori Lyons, as she fights an unexpected and life-altering battle with colon cancer. At just 31 years old, she was diagnosed with this devastating disease—something no one ever expects at such a young age.
Her Journey to Diagnosis
Back in December, my sister began experiencing severe abdominal pain. Concerned, she scheduled an appointment with a GI specialist, but due to availability, she couldn’t be seen until mid-January. When she finally had her consultation, she explained the severity of her pain, yet because of her young age, a colonoscopy wasn’t initially recommended. Instead, she underwent an endoscopy, which revealed celiac disease. She was prescribed medication for gastritis, and her concerns were brushed aside.
However, despite taking the medication as directed, her pain persisted. At a follow-up, she saw a nurse practitioner rather than her original doctor. She voiced her concerns again, only to be reassured that her symptoms would worsen before improving. But the pain only grew more intense.
A week later, she could no longer bear it and went to the ER, where they performed a CT scan. The radiologist urged her to demand a colonoscopy from her GI doctor. It wasn’t until this urgent push that her doctor ordered the test.
That colonoscopy revealed a 5cm tumor, and shortly after, she received the life-changing news: it was cancerous.
The Urgent Fight & Unexpected Travel
Determined to fight this, my sister sought multiple opinions from colorectal surgeons and oncologists while also applying for treatment at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. To our relief, Mayo Clinic accepted her case and asked her to arrive for a consultation on March 7th. However, things took an unexpected turn—they wanted to admit her immediately and move forward with surgery.
While this was a blessing, it also meant she and her family had to drop everything and stay in Arizona indefinitely while she recovers from colorectal surgery. With such short notice, there was no time to prepare for the overwhelming financial burden of medical expenses, travel, and the cost of being away from home for so long.
Why We Need Your Help
My sister is a devoted mother of a 16-month-old baby girl and two daughters in college. This diagnosis has not only turned her life upside down but has also deeply impacted her family. As she focuses on healing, we want to lessen the financial stress so she can concentrate on what truly matters—fighting cancer and getting back to her children.
We humbly ask for any support you can provide, whether it’s through a donation or simply sharing her story. Every bit helps, and we are deeply grateful for any generosity shown.
Raising Awareness: Listen to Your Body
Beyond fundraising, my sister’s greatest wish is to spread awareness. Colon cancer is affecting younger and younger individuals, yet many are dismissed due to their age. If her experience can save even one life, it will mean the world to her.
Please, listen to your body. You know when something feels wrong. Push for answers. Get screened. Don’t let age be a barrier to receiving proper care.
Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and keeping my sister in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness means more than words can express.
To support her emotionally and stay updated on her journey, follow her on TikTok where she shares her experience, spreads awareness, and inspires others to take charge of their health.
If you’d like to send the funds in other ways:
Venmo -
Cash app - $toris30
With love and gratitude,
Organizer and beneficiary
Monique Farris
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV
Tori-Lyn Lyons
Beneficiary