“Living life with gratitude can mean taking time to just “be”; to relax and enjoy the sun on your face, a good song, looking at your handsome husband, with a clear and peaceful mind.”- Carlyle Herbert Dorroh

Carlyle Dorroh was strong and healthy, a vegetarian for years. Carlyle devoted herself to raising a family, while still finding the time to teach music and run marathons. Carlyle lived her life helping others, especially children. She was a daughter, sister, teacher, friend, loving wife and, above all, a mother. She lived for her husband of 15 years, William, and her three precious children, Will, Charlotte, and Campbell.

In late spring 2012, just before her 40th birthday, Carlyle began to experienced periodic lower abdominal pain and other minor aliments. CT scans revealed mild thickening in the sigmoid colon. After a colonoscopy, Carlyle and her family were shocked to find that she had a malignant mass almost completely obstructing her colon. Surgery revealed that she had seeds of cancer scattered throughout her pelvis and abdomen. She had Stage IV Colon Cancer with the prognosis of a maximum of 2-years survival.

Carlyle did not back down. After she was diagnosed with colon cancer, she became a warrior. Undergoing numerous rounds of chemo and two cytoreductive surgeries with HIPEC, she fought for the good times that she could spend with her family and friends, making memories for her children. Her love for her three children was all the inspiration needed to define her courage. Carlyle proceeded to go round after round with colon cancer, while continuing to live her life with an infectious joy and euphoria.

Her faith and her strength inspired anyone who knew her. Throughout her battle with cancer, she never gave up hope and lived more in her 42 years than most people could live in several lifetimes. Sadly, after multiple surgeries and chemo treatments, Carlyle passed away on July 27, 2014.

Carlyle brought joy to this world and all those whose lives she touched. She had a contagious smile that lives on in her three precious children. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all those who loved her so much.

“At the age of 40, with no family history, I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. While I have limited control over my own future, together, we can push for research and a cure that can ensure my—and your—children never have to experience the physical and emotional challenges of living with colorectal cancer, or risk losing a parent far too young. The Wunder Project’s mission is close to home for many of us. Clearly it is close to my heart. I have three young children and unless discoveries are made quickly, I will not be here to guide them as they grow, see them become adults, and watch them have children. All things so many 41 year olds take for granted. While I have limited control over my own future, together, we can push for research and a cure that can ensure my—and your—children never have to experience the physical and emotional challenges of living with colorectal cancer, or risk losing a parent far too young.” – Carlyle Dorroh

Thanks to Gloria Borges and the Wunderglo Foundation, she was not fighting this battle alone. Like Gloria, she did not let cancer hold her back from living her life to the fullest, inspiring others to do the same. Now, we can help continue Carlyle’s fight against colon cancer by supporting the WunderGlo Foundation.

Make a Donation to Finding the Cure in Memory of Carlyle Dorroh