{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The YMyHealth Podcast | Wellness and Healthcare Insights for Millennials","title":" A Personal Story of Advocacy for Lynch Syndrome and Colorectal Cancer","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2408,"description":"Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a community health event or a local 5K for awareness and make it really happen? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Fight CRC Ambassador and community leader, Zakela Mickens. She was the caregiver to her brother Joshua, who had Stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 27 and passed away six months after his diagnosis. The same year, she learned that she had the genetic condition, Lynch Syndrome, which her brother also had. It puts people at a higher risk for colorectal cancer.  Zakela discusses the importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly among younger populations. She shares her personal journey from being a caregiver for her brother to becoming an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness and creating a 5K event in her local community to educate those in her new hometown. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, education, and mental health awareness in the fight against colorectal cancer. The power of getting genetic testing at a younger age, particularly for those at risk of colorectal cancer due to genetic mutations. Zakela shares her personal experiences navigating healthcare for her children and the necessity of advocating for timely screenings. Local events are presented as vital platforms for raising awareness and fostering community connections. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to start their own health advocacy initiatives, encouraging small beginnings and the importance of persistence in the face of challenges.Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Its Mission(01:10) Personal Journey and Colorectal Cancer Awareness(07:01) Transitioning from Caregiver to Advocate(15:00) Planning the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event(19:00) Community Engagement and Mental Health Awareness(20:12) Community Involvement and Support(22:52) The Importance of Genetic Testing(23:44) Navigating Healthcare...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/7_-hWX0mIHf2oitks5WsIkKMYhsb1h9cceeY-ZBYJ3I/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZWI0/ZjRhN2U0ZmY0YWY3/ZWUwZDc3N2M5NmJj/ZGYzZi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}