Caught Early, Here Today: A Colon Cancer Survivor’s Story of Love and Early Detection

In 2022, what seemed like a small symptom became a life-changing moment for Mr. McGriff. He began noticing blood in his stool. After seeking care, doctors discovered polyps. Those polyps were tested — and the results came back as colon cancer. “They diagnosed him with the polyps, which they tested, and they turned out to be colon cancer,” Mrs. McGriff shared.

Doctors quickly performed another colonoscopy to remove the polyps. Because the cancer was caught early, treatment was successful. For the next couple of years, he returned every six months for follow-up screenings. Now, his appointments have been extended because of continued good results. “As far as the cancer is concerned, he hasn’t had any more,” she explained. “He’ll still have some polyps sometimes, but they aren’t cancerous.”

And Mr. McGriff says it plainly:

“If they wouldn’t have caught it… if I wouldn’t have got checked, I would not be here today.”

Those words carry the weight of what early detection truly means.

The Push That Saved His Life

When asked what finally made him go to the doctor, Mrs. McGriff laughed. “My insistence,” she said. She admits she was determined. “I just wouldn’t take no for an answer,” she explained. “I’ve let him slide on other things, but that — and seeing the blood in the stool — I just wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”

Mr. McGriff laughed and gave credit where it was due. “It was my better half.”

For Mr. McGriff, what ultimately changed his mind wasn’t fear — it was love.

“Seeing my wife upset and my kids upset… I don’t never want them to feel like I let them down. So that was enough for me.”

And then he shared the part that truly resonates (for people, especially men that are not willing to get checked):

“Please go. It’s not as bad as they think it’s going to be. Please go save your life, save your own life. If they don’t do it for themselves, do it for the ones they love you.”

For so many men who hesitate to schedule appointments, his message is clear:
Don’t wait. Do it for the people who love you.

Living Fully After Diagnosis

Today, Mr. McGriff is living a full and active life.

“Oh, yes, absolutely,” he said when asked if he is able to maintain his normal routine.

The key? Early detection.

“We caught it early,” they emphasized. Stressing the importance that early detection does indeed save lives.

Mr. McGriff continues to see his gastroenterologist and stays consistent with screenings and preventative care. Preventive care is now a priority.

In addition to routine appointments, he has made lifestyle adjustments to support his health.

“We do try to add more fiber to the diet,” Mrs. McGriff shared.He drinks “a lot of water,” has “reduced the amount of red meat and pork,” and incorporates “probiotic type foods like sauerkraut, ginger, pickled ginger” They humbly admit:“ We are not by any means perfect.” But they are intentional. And they are consistent.

And consistency is what continues to keep them both in good health.

A Blessing Called Volunteers in Medicine

Their journey with Volunteers in Medicine happened unexpectedly.

After missing an appointment elsewhere, Mrs. McGriff found the clinic almost by chance.

“I just think that was just a blessing,” she said. What they found was care, compassion, and thorough medical attention.

“We are very appreciative of the work that the Volunteers in Medicine program does for us. It’s been an awesome experience.” She described a physician who is attentive and proactive: “The physician that we have… she’s very on top of each system that she needs to be on top of… We get the type of x-rays, MRI, whatever we need — they do it.”  And when asked what they would say to others who may be uninsured or unsure where to turn:

“Anyone that’s in this situation where they need healthcare, can’t afford it — Volunteers in Medicine is just great.” They ended the conversation with simple but powerful gratitude: “We feel very well cared for.”

A Message for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Screening can identify polyps before they become life-threatening.

Mr. McGriff’s story is proof.

Because his wife spoke up.
Because he chose to go.
Because care was accessible.
Because screenings happened on time.

He is here today.

This March, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month, let his words echo:

“Please go save your life.”

And if you won’t do it for yourself — do it for the ones who love you.

At Volunteers in Medicine, we are honored to walk alongside the working uninsured in moments like these — providing preventive care, specialty referrals, screenings, and ongoing support.

Because healthcare is not just about treatment.
It’s about early detection.
It’s about advocacy.
It’s about love.

And sometimes — it’s about a wife who simply refuses to take “no” for an answer.

If you are working and uninsured and ready to take control of your health, apply to Volunteers in Medicine today at Become a Patient - Free Medical Clinic, Jacksonville, FL | Free Medical Clinic, Jacksonville, FL | Volunteers In Medicine Jacksonville