Our Story with Lynch Syndrome

Lynch Syndrome Awareness was founded out of a deeply personal journey—one marked by loss, discovery, and an urgent need for awareness.

For years, Jennifer watched her father, John, battle an unimaginable series of cancers over decades—eight different organ cancers and over 100 skin cancers—before doctors finally identified the underlying cause: Lynch Syndrome, specifically the MSH2 variant. Tragically, John passed away in 2023 due to complications from his many cancer surgeries.

Jennifer had long delayed genetic testing due to financial concerns and the fear of a positive result. But in 2023, she received confirmation—she, too, carried the MSH2 variant. This revelation changed her life, motivating her to be proactive about her health and advocate for others who may unknowingly be at risk.

Then, in 2024, Thrisha took an Ancestry DNA test in search of family connections after her mother’s passing in late 2023. With the help of DNA Angels, she made a shocking discovery—John was not only her biological father, but she also had two newly found siblings: Jennifer and a younger brother.

Upon learning this, Thrisha immediately reached out to her siblings, sharing her own health history: she had been diagnosed with stage 0 endometrial cancer in 2023 at the age of 35 and stage 1b thyroid cancer in 2024 at the age of 36. At the same time, Jennifer was racing to inform Thrisha and their brother about Lynch Syndrome, urging them to get tested. With a 50% chance of inheriting the condition, early detection was crucial.

In August 2024, Thrisha received her results—she also has Lynch Syndrome, MSH2. The journey for their younger brother continues as he awaits his test results.

Why We Advocate

After being diagnosed, Jennifer and Thrisha quickly realized a shocking truth—finding a doctor who is knowledgeable about Lynch Syndrome is extremely difficult. Both have encountered medical professionals who:

  • Provided inaccurate information about proper screening protocols for Lynch Syndrome.
  • Had to look up information about Lynch Syndrome during their appointments.
  • Medical team is simply unfamiliar with the condition altogether.

This lack of awareness, even among healthcare professionals, is frightening. The knowledge gap in the medical community is putting lives at risk. That’s why Lynch Syndrome Awareness isn’t just about educating the public—it’s also about educating healthcare professionals

We are committed to spreading awareness, advocating for better medical education, and empowering families with the knowledge they need to take control of their health. Together, we can change the future for those living with Lynch Syndrome.

 

 Share your story with us and empower yourself and others by becoming an advocate for Lynch Syndrome Awareness. Discover how you can make a difference today.