Phuong Ly-Gallagher, Research Advocate Training & Support (RATS) Manager at Fight Colorectal Cancer, posted on LinkedIn:

“As expected, it’s been a wild start to March’s colorectal cancer awareness month. It took me a minute to recover from a week of travel, first to the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences, and then straight to Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Call On Congress. It was a lot on my body, and I came home to sleep for 18 hours.

Aside from the physical demand, March takes an emotional toll. This photo says it all. I took a moment for myself away from the non-stop schedule to reflect on why I do this, and to remember all those who have passed. But what you don’t see is the the Birren family allowing me the time and space I needed, and then they swept me up with much love, understanding, and support. This is what our community does for each other, and I am truly grateful for it.

What you also don’t see is my wonderful husband holding me up from afar. Caregivers like my Edward sacrifice time away from us to hold down the fort at home, understand our need to advocate for research dollars and awareness, and remind us just how much they love us, especially when we return. I got tackled with kisses and zoomies from our puppy, Raegan (because let’s face it – she shoved Eddie out of the way to get to mommy), and my exhausted body got wrapped up in Eddie’s arms as he told me how sorry he was that I have to go through this pain and reminded me that it is not without purpose, fueled by love. It was exactly what I needed.

And then he did all my laundry. I don’t know what I did to deserve him, but I am most thankful.”

Source: Phuong Ly-Gallagher/LinkedIn