It was 17 years ago - in February of 2000 – when President Bill Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown to be a rallying point for the colon cancer community where thousands throughout the country – including those in Bridgeport and throughout North Central West Virginia – have joined together to spread colon cancer awareness through various efforts, many involving the color designated for colon cancer awareness: blue.

 

Among local advocates is vocalist and guitarist David Daugherty, known throughout the region for performing songs of “The King,” Elvis Presley. One of the entertainer’s signature songs being “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” Daugherty also made it his tune for colon cancer awareness when in April  of 2015, his wife Chrissy was diagnosed with the disease. Chrissy Daugherty had a large portion of her colon removed and subsequently underwent 12 chemotherapy treatments and a second surgery – the removal of a lymph node to which the cancer had spread.

 

Daugherty, who is accompanied by “The David D Band” in his live shows and recording projects, set out on a campaign; reaching out to those with colon cancer and other forms of the disease. He also adopted the acronym “WAMIMS” – standing for “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” – to represent his campaign. In addition to other awareness platforms, Daugherty asked individuals to send him photos of their “WAMIMS” – be it receiving treatments, or embracing life despite a medical diagnosis.  The campaign was meant to inspire others battling cancer. Daugherty said it also ended up inspiring him.

 

"I made three different 'WAMIMS' videos, but the first one is my favorite," he said.

 

Chrissy Daugherty has won her battle with cancer, but she and David are no longer together. He continues to be an advocate for Colon Cancer Awareness.

 

“I think once you go through cancer with someone, even if it’s not you who is fighting the disease – it changes you,” he said.

 

Through it all, David said he has met many people and made many friends of all ages; those battling colon cancer and other forms of the disease.

 

This YouTube video below continues to be for all of them. 

 

Post your "WAMIMS" photos to David Daugherty's Facebook Page.