In Krista Hubbard's hometown in Breathitt County, the risk of dying from colon cancer is more than twice the national average. It's that way for many of the rural Kentucky counties served by Mercy Health - Marcum and Wallace Hospital. Little did Krista know, she too was headed down that road.

She recently had her first colonoscopy after an annual health exam indicated she was at risk. Her doctor found and removed five polyps. Polyps are often precursors to colorectal cancer.

“Had I not had the colonoscopy, this could have escalated into something more serious."

Your gift supports colorectal cancer screenings throughout the area for people like Krista. Early detection is key to bringing those alarming numbers down, but it's still an uphill climb to get people screened. "I don't know of a lot of people who get colonoscopies or even the early screening test," she says.

A few years ago, Krista would have been considered too young for a routine colonoscopy. But the American Cancer Society recently lowered the recommended age to begin routine screenings from 55 to 45 years of age. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States.

“I was really happy with Marcum and Wallace Hospital,” says Krista. “The doctor was wonderful. I’m thankful I had it done. I'm the type of person to be proactive and not reactive. Now I'm trying to convince my friends who haven’t had a colonoscopy to have one.”