I’m a professional martial artist, so I’m very aware of my body and live a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it took me by surprise when I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2018. I was only 42.

But I believe that showing up is half the battle. So, I made a decision the second I found out. I remember thinking, “OK, I can beat this. It’s not taking me out. Enemy, be gone. Let’s do this.”

As a teacher, I felt like...