Kerri's Fight

Born in 1981, Kerri Rae Trainor is the wife of Donald J. Trainor, mother to Rhys (7 y/o), Emma and Logan (5 y/o twins) and loved by all friends and family members. Kerri was diagnosed with colon cancer on July 19, 2019. She underwent surgery on July 31, 2019 to remove the cancer and other impacted areas. The initial pathology reports indicated Kerri had Stage I colon cancer. However, due to some risks factors and anomalies in her pathology report, her doctors astutely sent her pathology results to Dana Farber in Boston for further review. After further manipulation of her biopsies and review by Dana Farber, she learned her diagnosis had changed from Stage I to Stage III colon cancer. After another hospital visit for the portocath insertion, her chemotherapy treatments started on September 16, 2019. Kerri is a strong and intelligent young woman who is tolerating her treatments well. Her strong resolve and dedication to her family, along with the support of friends and family, will see her through this situation to a successful recovery.

While colorectal cancer death rates overall were cut in half between 1970 and 2016, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says there has been a 51% increase in colorectal cancer among those under age 50 since 1994. New cases of colorectal cancer in adults under 55 have increased almost 2% every year since the mid-1990s, and death rates in this age group are also rising, even though colonoscopies are more common. “More than 16,000 people younger than 50 are currently diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. There are 45 new cases each day and 3,600—10 per day—die from the disease.” says Rebecca L. Siegel, the American Cancer Society’s scientific director of surveillance research. A 2017 study by ACS researchers found that adults born around 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and 4 times the risk of rectal cancer, compared with those born around 1950, who have the lowest risk. By way of awareness, below is a chart highlighting that early screening can make all the difference. 

Kerri recently underwent genetic testing which revealed she carries two mutated genes for colon cancer. She either received two mutated genes from her mother or one from each of her parents. In short, she was destined to have colon cancer. There is also a 25% chance both of her sisters are susceptible to colon cancer as well, and a 50% chance they could be carriers. Family is encouraged to be tested early. Kerri’s husband, Donald (DJ) also needs testing to determine if he carries any genes due to the potential impact on their children.  Their children will begin testing at the age of 18 to determine if they have the gene and what impact that may have on their decision to start a family.  Kerri’s desire, along with her family, is to spread awareness for early detection.  Early detection can make a tremendous different. 

 

We will be hosting a fundraiser for Kerri and her family on November 10, 2019 at Proof, Mariners Square, 140 Point Judith Road, Narraganset, Rhode Island.  We’d love to see y’all there to share the entertainment and rejoice life. If you can’t make it, we completely understand; however, if you would still like to support our fundraiser, donations can be made here https://www.gofundme.com/f/kerri039s-fight?sharetype=teams&member=2932342&rcid=r01-156943691086-f48444c06b004bba&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w . Thank you all for your support through this difficult time.  Life is precious, let’s get tested.