Discovering Stage 4 Colon Cancer After a Ski Mishap: How an Injury Became a Lifesaver

In February 2022, I faced an unexpected turn of events when a skiing accident unveiled a life-threatening condition. I often think of the skier whose unexpected collision with me that day as an unforeseen blessing.

The incident occurred as we exited the chair lift at Mount Snow, Vermont. The individual lost control, showing no regard for skiing decorum, and quickly vanished from the scene.

However, my immediate concern was the intense pain that followed my fall onto the ice. The shooting agony in my lower back signaled that something was terribly wrong, as my entire weight had descended onto my tailbone.

Initial Medical Examination Proves Unclear

Ski patrol assisted in transporting me down the mountain using a sled, and resort medics administered basic care and a pain reliever. Despite an X-ray examination, the results provided no clear answers.

Once home, the numbness in my legs alarmed me greatly, prompting a visit to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, where an MRI was conducted.

The doctor delivered unsettling news—while I indeed had a fractured tailbone, the imaging had also uncovered a tumor on my kidney and spots on my liver.

Dreadful Diagnosis Revealed

The news was devastating, but the situation soon worsened. Specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center conducted multiple tests, revealing a grim diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to my liver and lymph nodes.

Further complications arose as my colon was nearly entirely obstructed, necessitating a highly dangerous surgical procedure to remove parts of my colon and liver. The odds of survival seemed slim.

With my daughter Ella only 10 years old, I pleaded for a two-week postponement of the surgery to spend more precious time with her. I wanted the chance to impart life lessons and express my thoughts in case I wouldn't survive the operation.

Enduring a Marathon Surgery

My request appeared irrational to the medical team, but the surgery took place a few days later and lasted ten grueling hours. Miraculously, I pulled through, reuniting with my husband Jim, daughter Ella, and our family.

This marked the beginning of a relentless battle with cancer over the next three years, involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and participation in experimental treatments.

Sadly, these efforts have yet to yield lasting results, and in 2025, cancer has spread to my lungs, brain, and bones.

Keeping Active Through Challenges

Despite my ongoing medical struggles, my passion for athletics remains unshaken. My deep love for participating in marathons has not wavered; I draw inspiration from Fred Lebow, the New York City marathon co-founder who also battled cancer, believing vigorous exercise is the best resistance against the disease.

Having completed marathons in 2022, 2023, and 2024, I plan to continue my journey in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. I will walk the 26.2-mile distance with a group that includes other survivors, healthcare providers, and family members, all amid cheering crowds of millions.

Raising Awareness and Funds

Our team’s participation raises vital funds for colorectal cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center while demystifying the condition. Many postpone screenings like colonoscopies due to inconvenience or perceived difficulty, yet I emphasize that undergoing chemotherapy is far more rigorous.

Reflecting on the skiing mishap from over three and a half years ago, I hold no grudge against the man involved. Without the fracture, I may have overlooked symptoms until too late. His inadvertent mistake turned into a pivotal life-saver.