I had such a good time at ColonTown's gathering in DC. It's great to put the faces behind the notes on Facebook. For me it was amazing to hear your various stories and your passion and the common bond that brought us together to talk to our congress men and women. Each one of us makes a difference in the world with our message. It was a wonderful event to have so many cancer survivors coming together for a greater purpose.

I started speaking about having colon cancer when I was 39 and I could practically see people's sphincters tightening when I dared to broach the subject! All I wanted was for them to get screened once I found out that a simple colonoscopy could save their life.

By the time my golf-ball-sized tumor was found in my rectum, it was too late to save it. I have lived well with a colostomy for the last 16 years and I am grateful for this life-saving operation. Along the way I learned so much about having an ostomy and perhaps the biggest shock was to learn about the people that had suffered with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. When I interviewed them for my books and heard their stories of the pain and suffering they had endured, many for years, as strange as this sounds, I was glad I only had cancer.

I never knew I would become such a bowel queen, have a niche you might say about the colon or lack of it and be speaking across the country to groups up to 3500 people about this very taboo subject....at least it used to be. These days it might come up over lunch- I don't think it's quite dinnertime conversation as of yet.

When I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, I owned a busy hair salon, had two small children and a husband and was plenty busy. Life changes quickly and soon I was getting through my "bucket list" learning comedy, attending college and beginning to write. Before I had cancer I had no idea that I would love to write and now I can't stop myself from writing or talking and occasionally cracking a joke!

If you've heard me speak, you know I talk about this subject irreverently, yet poignantly and feel there is nothing to be ashamed of and I hope you do too. I was wondering if you'd like to help me out by being in my referral program. If you'd be interested in having me come to speak at your hospital or clinic, and you can tell them about me, I would be happy to send you all 4 of my books for you to keep and also 4 for you to give way to a hospital of your choice. I would need a contact there that I could follow up. If I get a paid a speaking engagement there near you, I'll take you out for dinner and I'll give you a $500 check to keep for yourself or give to your favorite charity. Would you be interested in being in my referral group? I am determined to take the shame and stigma away from the topic of colon cancer by using humor to address the issue. I speak to cancer survivor groups, healthcare professionals, foundations or benefits, nurse or doctor groups and community health fair events as well. If this is something you'd be interested in, please send me an email at Brenda@livingandlaughing.com or call me at 952-882-9882 and we'll get busy!

Grateful to know you!

Brenda