Buffalo resident Cleodious Johnson is on a mission. Since his diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer in 2007, Cloedious wants to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening for everyone, but especially for people in the African-American community.

“I have been given a new chance at life, and I want to give back,” Cleodious said. “I am different now, and I look at life differently. I want to tell people to not be afraid. Don’t be scared to get checked for cancer. It is so important.”

Cleodious says he knew for months that something was seriously wrong. He was having trouble eating and going to the bathroom. After eight months of numerous doctor visits, CAT scans and MRIs, he sought the help of the experts at Roswell Park.

“By this time, I was in constant pain,” Cleodious recalls. “I had just left my first appointment with the doctors at Roswell Park and was on my way to my daughter’s home when my physician, Dr. Rajput, called me on my cell phone and said ‘We need you back here.’ They started treatment that night, and the next day I had my first surgery. I knew I found the best place for my care.”

Cleodious had three operations, two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to remove a large tumor in his lower gastrointestinal tract. Today he is cancer-free and committed to staying that way.

“Roswell Park should not be the last place you go for help; it should be the first place. Everyone from the nurses to the medical technicians knows who I am, and they are so encouraging. I can’t imagine going to any other hospital for care.”

A religious man, Cleodious continues, “I have been given a special privilege to still be here. There is more work to be done, and I am ready to do the job,” Cleodious has put away his dark suits he used to wear to church. Now he embraces life with bold colors and a determination to make a difference by helping others as he has been helped.

Cleodious’ message of hope for the holidays: “Please don’t neglect yourself or be afraid of what you might find if you go to the doctor. Whether it is for prostate or colon or any cancer, follow all the screening recommendations that help find cancer early, and you can help to guarantee yourself a longer life.”