On Jan. 18, 2012, my husband Jared was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He was just 39 years old. A hard working lawyer, devoted father to our three daughters and active member of our community, Jared rarely slowed down and was always ready to crack a joke. 

For a few months before his diagnosis, Jared had started experiencing abdominal discomfort. After trying several antibiotics, Jared's symptoms didn't improve. Around...