Wichita Cancer Survivor Honored at PGA Champions Event

Fifteen years after losing her entire large intestine to colon cancer, Wichita native Demetria Whiting found herself walking alongside golf legend Bernhard Langer at one of the sport's premier tournaments.

Whiting's cancer journey began with intense stomach pain that led to surgery just two weeks later. Doctors removed her entire large intestine, changing her life forever.

But instead of letting the diagnosis define her, Whiting turned her experience into a mission. She now works with the Colon Cancer Coalition, sharing resources and support with others facing the same battle she won.

"Instead of just being my own advocate, now I'm with an organization, and so I can share even more resources and information," Whiting said.

Last year, the coalition nominated her as one of more than 400 survivors to be honored at the PGA Champions Tour's Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Arizona. The event takes place every March during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Whiting received inside-the-ropes access to walk with Langer throughout the tournament. She also attended a banquet hosted by Katie Couric, who lost her husband to colon cancer at age 42, and heard from Simone Boseman, widow of actor Chadwick Boseman.

The most powerful part wasn't the celebrity connections or the tournament atmosphere. It was meeting hundreds of other survivors and families who understood exactly what she'd been through.

"There's just a variety of stories out there," Whiting said. "It's just amazing to connect with other people who understand you and what you've gone through."

Why This Inspires

Whiting's story shows how one person's pain can become another's hope. By sharing her experience and resources through the Colon Cancer Coalition, she's creating the kind of community she wishes she'd had during her diagnosis.

"It's a very emotional disease, because it just pulls you in so many different directions," Whiting said. "Your life is never the same. But I think about it. I pray for other people who are dealing with cancer today."

Whiting isn't slowing down. She's preparing for the coalition's annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K fundraiser on May 24 and releasing her autobiography, "Momma Harding, Influencing The Future," with a book signing scheduled for April 26 at Mark Arts in Wichita.

From patient to advocate to published author, Whiting proves that survival is just the beginning of the story.