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TV Station turns blue to support co-worker battling cancer

Blue is the color representing Colon Cancer Awareness month, which is March. Our Assignment Manager, Jennifer Rogers, was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Canc...
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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.  This cancer has hit close to home here at WKRG.  Our Assignment Editor, Jennifer Rogers, 45, was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer a few weeks ago. Doctors have told her it has spread from her colon to her liver and lungs.   Obviously, the diagnosis is a shock to Rogers, her family, friends, and to us, her WKRG family.  

Rogers has worked at WKRG for over eighteen years, and we wanted to lift her spirits. News Director, Chris Best, had a perfect idea! He encouraged the staff to spray their hair with blue hair spray. Blue is the color of Colon Cancer Awareness, and Rogers dyed her hair blue this past Sunday, right before her first chemo treatment Monday.

“We know you are the toughest person in the building. We are here to help to show love and support and prayers. Everybody has your back,” Best told Jennifer.

Secretly, before the morning meeting, everyone sprayed their hair and facial hair blue. When Jennifer walked into the studio, she burst into tears. She loved seeing everyone wearing their blue too! She says she is on a mission to spread awareness about colon cancer screening. She didn’t have any symptoms before receiving the diagnosis, but she knows that many times people ignore symptoms, and then, it’s too late.

“It is my mission to make sure people are aware of the disease and get screened. That is my new mission. People don’t talk about colon and rectal cancer. I have turned it into a joke because I have butt cancer. If that makes people talk about it, then that’s fine with me,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer says her doctors are being positive with her. The fact that she is young and healthy is in her favor, and she is determined to fight and win!

The American Cancer Society recommends that if you are at average risk, you get a colon screening starting at the age of 45.  If you have a family history, it should be earlier. Here is a detailed list of the recommendations. 

Jennifer is one of the most talented writers at WKRG, and she is sharing her journey on her CaringBridge page. She would love for you to follow along. Please send her your well-wishes! 

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