What happened, in summary

Theresa Cotton was 49 when she opened her colonoscopy results alone in a hospital parking lot and learned she had cancer. She called her husband immediately, then started researching cancer centers and treatment options. People she knew encouraged her to go to Cleveland Clinic, and her own research led her to Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute. Her care was coordinated by a colorectal surgeon, and Theresa felt the team supported both her and her family through a frightening diagnosis. Her care team treated this as colorectal cancer, and the treatment was major. The day after her 50th birthday, Theresa had a complete hysterectomy and a permanent colostomy. She then started chemotherapy and completed 28 rounds of radiation. The treatment and care experience later shaped her life in an unexpected way. About 1 year after diagnosis, she applied to become a Cleveland Clinic red coat service ambassador and later became a red coat work leader, helping other patients through their own visits. As of January 2017, Theresa had been cancer-free for more than 5 years. She described deep gratitude for being alive, stronger relationships with her husband and children, and a desire to give back.