Meet Jennifer E. Rio Ruddle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer E. Rio Ruddle.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
On Oct 29, 2017, at the age of 41, I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. I was shocked and overwhelmed. I had no history of CRC in my family and no risk factors. I was told I most likely wouldn’t be able to have children after treatment, and was given an 11% chance of survival.

This was not an acceptable diagnosis. And I would not give up without a fight. I am so blessed to have had my incredible husband, family, and friends supporting me during this time. After four surgeries, 12 months of chemotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation, I am now in remission. It wasn’t easy, and there were many days I wanted to give up. But I’m here. And I’m still fighting.

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t want to talk about it. I couldn’t even say the word “cancer,” let alone discuss the terror I felt at possibly dying before I turned 45. I needed hope. I needed someone who had been there. Someone who felt what I felt. Who understood the panic and depression and mood swings. The disappointment, the anger, and embarrassment. I needed to know there were people out there who had survived, were doing well, had children, and were thriving. There is nothing more motivating and inspiring than hope.

Now, I want to use my voice to help inform and educate as many people as possible. It’s not enough to just reach one person – I want to reach everyone! Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year 95,520 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, 39,910 will be diagnosed with rectal cancer, and 50,260 will die from this disease. CRC is not just an “old person’s disease.” As a result of rising colon and rectal cancer incidence rates in younger age groups coincident with declining rates in older age groups, the proportion of cases diagnosed in individuals younger than age 50 increased from 6% in 1990 to 11% in 2013. Most of these cases (72%) occur in people who are in their 40s.

People underestimate the role fate plays in our lives. I was fortunate. I survived. My marriage is stronger than it’s ever been; my relationships with my family and friends are rock solid. I bounced back from the surgeries and medications. Cancer didn’t kill me. It actually made me stronger. Cancer saved my life. I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been. And now I want to be able to give hope back to others by educating people and sharing my story.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are so many things about this disease that I had to learn during my battle. One of the most significant things that would impact me, as a young onset CRC patient was that radiation treatment could cause me to no longer be able to have children. This was devastating news to me and my husband.

But there are options, including Embryo Banking and Ovarian Transposition Surgery. Thanks to the help of my fertility doctor and radiation oncologist, I was able to take these precautions before treatment, and we still have the chance to have children (which we are hoping to do later this year)!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a local actress here in Arizona. I have a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance from Arizona State University. I like to say I do it all! Theatre, Film, Commercial, Print, and VoiceOver. I’ve performed in Moon Over Buffalo, Sylvia, The Children’s Hour and was nominated for an ariZoni Award for my role in Unnecessary Farce in 2017. You may have seen me in commercials for Grand Canyon University, BMW Motorrad or Re-Bath. I have been represented by The Leighton Agency for the last nine years and just recently earned the title of Mrs. Maricopa County America 2019.

What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
For me, success means learning, growing, and giving back. People tell you to look for the silver lining when you go through hard times, and that’s not always easy. But if you can find lessons in the hard times, if you can find ways to grow and help someone else who is struggling, then everyone wins.

I never thought any good could come from me having cancer. But I am more compassionate, my relationships are stronger, and I am reaching out to help others.

Contact Info:

• Email: Jennifer.Rio@cox.net

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