Looking to save lives by drawing attention to colon cancer, a pair of hikers passed through Suffolk’s South Shore in an 80-mile beach trek from Robert Moses State Park to Montauk.
Long Island residents Brian Crowe and Leilani Garcia have launched “Mission to Montauk,” a self-organized journey to spread awareness about colon cancer prevention and early detection. Their goal is simple: to educate the community on the importance of screenings, lifestyle choices, and breaking the stigma surrounding the disease.
For Brian, the mission is deeply personal. A father and music producer, he was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 43 years old after experiencing extreme abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, and severe weight loss. Despite his initial reluctance to undergo a colonoscopy, a friend and surgeon at Montefiore Hospital urged him to seek immediate care. That decision, Crowe believes, saved his life.
“I woke up to the horrific news that I had a large cancerous tumor in my intestines that had spread,” Crowe recalled. “Had I waited weeks for my scheduled colonoscopy, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Following an emergency colectomy, Crowe endured a grueling recovery but ultimately emerged cancer-free. Now, he is using his experience to warn others about the disease that nearly took his life.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. While often deadly, it is also highly preventable with routine screenings and early detection. However, Crowe points out that many insurance companies do not cover colonoscopies for individuals under 45 unless they have a family history or severe symptoms.
“I had no idea my symptoms were warning signs,” Crowe said. “Had I been more informed, I might have caught it earlier.”
Beyond awareness, Crowe and Garcia also want to highlight the healing power of nature. Their trek along Long Island’s south shore is a reminder of how time spent outdoors can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve mental well-being.
After passing through some local beaches, including the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Area and Smith Point Park, the pair completed their journey at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. They encourage supporters to share their message, help spread awareness, and promote the life-saving power of early detection.
For more information or to contact Brian Crowe, email BrianCroweNY@gmail.com. To donate, go to https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/mission-to-montauk-colon-cancer-awareness