KC-area artist writes song, raises awareness on colon cancer after losing loved one
MERRIAM, Kan. – March is Colorectal Cancer awareness month. A local artist lost a loved one to colon cancer and is turning his pain into art.
Colorectal cancer is the leading cancer death among men, and the second among women under 50.
Singer and songwriter Joel McNulty poured his heart into a song, after losing his mom to stage 4 colon cancer in 2015.
He wrote “Mama” a few years after she died and recorded it just weeks ago, turning his pain into purpose, hoping to help others through the grieving process.
You can listen to the song “Mama here.
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“What I want people to get from it is a little bit of inspiration and remember those good days from their loved ones who had, you know, cancer,” McNulty said.
He also wants this tune to inspire education.
The American Cancer Society said right now, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50 years old.
“That is why the American cancer society really leans into early detection and prevention,” Executive Director with the Kansas in Kansas City American Cancer Society Ashley Berndt said.
Berndt said there are a number of preventative tests people can talk to their doctor about taking.
The American Cancer Society Recommends getting screened starting at the age of 45.
“The frequency of those screenings will vary by the individual based on the family history, your age, etc.,” Berndt said.
Beyond a diagnosis, McNulty reminds care givers and family to soak up the memories with your loved ones and take care of your mental health. He found healing in the studio.
