Colon cancer survivor shares her story to promote awareness

“Colonoscopies are so much easier than chemotherapy.”

This is the message Cindy Erbes wants everyone to take to heart at this year’s Cowboy Up Ride Against Cancer.

As a featured speaker at the upcoming two-day event, Cindy will share her personal story of facing stage 3 colon cancer at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center.

Despite concerning symptoms, she had put off a colonoscopy that may have detected her cancer early.

Now, the grandmother of five and retired principal who lives in Wahpeton, North Dakota, is a voice of urgency for others to be proactive about their health. She hopes to spare even one other person from the fearful uncertainty and pain she endured through surgery and weeks of chemotherapy.

Joining the Cowboy Up community

At Cowboy Up, Cindy will join an ever-growing community of passionate survivors and advocates dedicated to the fight against cancer. All funds raised will benefit patient care at Roger Maris—which she knows, firsthand, will make a difference.

“My experience at Roger Maris was amazing, from the valets who greeted me at the door to the receptionists, the nurses and doctors,” said Cindy, who underwent surgery and chemotherapy at the cancer center. “My family, who often accompanied me to appointments, also commented on the amazing people at Roger Maris.”