In July of 2015 at the age of 27, Zakela’s oldest brother Joshua was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, with no previous signs or symptoms. Joshua had received genetic testing, and it showed that he had Mutations in one copy of the MLH1 gene, which is known as Lynch Syndrome. This gene increases the risks of Colon Cancer as well as developing other types of cancer in your lifetime. It is detrimental to the health of every individual that has had some form of family history of colon cancer to have access to genetic testing and colon screening earlier than the recommended age of 45. Immediately after being diagnosed,
Zakela became her brother’s caregiver during his 6 month battle with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Shortly after Joshua lost his battle with cancer, Zakela began seeking ways she could advocate on her brother’s behalf, to bring awareness to the importance of prevention of this disease. It is through her efforts of advocacy and volunteering that she has dedicated herself to help change the lives of others to prevent them from going through what she experienced.
You can follow her as she documents, “Joshua’s Journey” from his diagnosis until his untimely passing, her volunteer work in the community to spread awareness, and no other information surrounding colon cancer awareness on her YouTube channel @TheCinchOnLynch