Tami Pangelina | Caregiver

Location: Benicia, California | Pronouns: She/Her

My name is Tami Pangelina, and I was the caregiver to my nephew, Daniel, an incredible makeup artist, drag queen, and musical performer.

Despite his vibrant spirit, Daniel faced a heartbreaking journey with colorectal cancer—a journey made even more challenging by a series of misdiagnoses.

For two years, Daniel sought answers, receiving diagnoses ranging from Crohn’s to colitis, appendicitis, and diverticulitis. But in April 2018, during surgery for diverticulitis, doctors discovered he had colon cancer. Daniel faced the battle head-on, enduring chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer returned. In April 2021, following a car accident, a mass was found in his stomach. Complications soon followed: a fistula and a hole between his bladder and colon led to intense, constant pain.

After seeking help from various hospitals, UCLA accepted his case and performed a 14-hour surgery to remove his bladder and other tumors. Even though they couldn’t remove all the cancer, Daniel’s strength remained unshaken. He moved in with me and my husband, where I became his caregiver, and we shared another precious year together. Daniel passed away on November 26, 2022, just two days after his 35th birthday.

I strongly believe that if Daniel had been correctly diagnosed earlier, had not been dismissed because he was under 45, and had received a timely colonoscopy, he might still be with us today. His story is a testament to the urgent need for awareness, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, where unique healthcare challenges can further complicate timely diagnoses.

In memory of Daniel and to prevent more stories like his, I am committed to raising awareness and advocating for earlier screenings. By uniting in the fight against colorectal cancer, we can make a lasting impact and save lives.