Ally Littleton
My name is Allyson, I am 56 and live in Palm Harbor, FL. with my husband Bill. We met at Winthrop University, have been married for 32 years and have two children ages 23 and 21 who are both currently in college.
We have been friends with Ron and Jen Jerina since college and followed their C3 journeys over the years, even meeting them at the finish in Austin, TX one year.
My cancer journey began with my first ever Cologuard test that was positive and led to a colonoscopy. There was one polyp that my GI doctor was unable to remove, and I was referred to a GI specialist at Moffitt in Tampa for removal and testing. In May of 2024 I was diagnosed with rectal cancer.
After more testing and consultation, it was decided the best treatment was surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding areas followed by chemotherapy to hopefully eradicate any remaining cells left behind. The surgery results were good in that no lymph nodes were involved, and they were confident that they had clear margins. I did however require an ileostomy to allow for healing from the major abdominal surgery and my new digestive system. My ileostomy, named Gertrude, is a story and journey of its own!
Once I recovered from the first surgery to remove the rectal tumor and connect my ileostomy I began chemotherapy, a chemo combo called CAPOX. Unfortunately, my body did not react well and as it turns out I was essentially allergic. Adjustments were made over the next rounds to see if I could tolerate it but after being hospitalized for a week and experiencing continued complications it was determined I would not be able to finish the final rounds of chemo. Following the end of chemo, tests were run, and I was thrilled to hear my ileostomy could be reversed rather than it being permanent, so I had a second surgery in February 2025 for reversal. Each surgery required around six weeks recovery meaning a lot of time missed from work and life in general.
I am so thankful that currently my blood work and scans are showing no evidence of disease and I have been able to get back to enjoying life!
My Faith has been such an important part of this journey, providing a sense of calm when my mind was not, and the ability to have hope. A couple of sentences isn’t enough to express how blessed I am to have the support of family and friends through all that comes with cancer, fear of the unknowns, appointments, pain, tears, financial stress, meals, house cleaning etc. They took care of it all and the calls, texts, notes were so appreciated. My husband has been an amazing care giver going beyond what he knew he was capable of providing medically while always keeping the laughter and positivity flowing.
I am so honored to be chosen as a warrior this year, thank you for riding on for all of us!
Ally is sponsored by Ron and Jennnifer Jerina.
