Our Story

Brighter Blue was founded by Jeff Williams and his wife Laura during Jeff's ongoing battle with Stage IV colorectal cancer.  In 2019, Jeff turned 50 and scheduled his first colonoscopy. The screening revealed a tumor in his sigmoid colon. The next day, scans confirmed the cancer had already spread to his liver and lungs.  

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According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for Stage IV colorectal cancer is approximately 13%, and even lower when the disease spreads to multiple organ systems. Jeff's cancer did not initially respond to chemotherapy and tumors spread and grew throughout his lungs. Jeff was told he may only have six to nine months to live.  

 

But Jeff pursued every possible treatment. After trying additional chemotherapy regimens he sought care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. In February 2021, Dr. Reza Mehran performed an extraordinary bilateral thoracotomy procedure removing 24 wedge resections from Jeff's lungs. Jeff later underwent additional surgeries and radiation to treat tumors in both his liver and lungs. Since 2021, Jeff has received chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment through Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates. In January 2025, Jeff received his 100th round of chemotherapy. Jeff's most recent chemotherapy treatment failed and in May 2025 he enrolled in a clinical trial at MD Anderson. 

 

Despite the challenges he has faced, Jeff's life is full and active. His cancer journey is one of persistence, resilience, and hope. Jeff's story was featured in MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Cancerwise blog (click here to check it out).  

  

Today, Jeff has dedicated his life to helping others affected by colorectal cancer. Through Brighter Blue, Jeff leads awareness campaigns, emphasizing the lifesaving importance of early screening. Jeff also shares his cancer experience with patients and families, helping them navigate the overwhelming realities of diagnosis and treatment, with compassion, insight, and hope.