Matthew Jalazo, TC Survivor, powerwalking 100 miles in another cancer survivor's shoes
In 2001, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. On a dark day after my surgery, as I lay convalescing, I decided to share my experience, by educating my friends on how to perform a testicular self-exam. That choice had a profound impact, as one of my close friends heeded my advice and discovered an even more aggressive tumor, one that would have otherwise killed him. He received necessary treatment, and continued to live a healthy life. Despite this positive outcome, I decided at that point to close the book on my cancer story, choosing instead to keep my emotional and physical suffering to myself. On the twenty-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, however, fate stepped in… as my close friend and colleague, Crystal, experienced a recurrence of hers. Stage 4 colon cancer, to be precise. To say that Crystal has been through a brutal battle over the last two years would be an understatement. Numerous surgeries, septic shock and a two-month hospitalization during the coronavirus pandemic cannot keep her down. I have often asked myself … where does her ferocious spirit come from? Simply put, it is her tireless desire to advocate for others less fortunate. Watching how fiercely dedicated Crystal has been in continuing to share her cancer story, while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing its side effects… for the sole purpose of educating others and hopefully prevent them from experiencing something similar… has inspired me. To be braver and more resilient, like her. To share my cancer story again. To open up about it again, in an effort to make a difference in someone else’s life. I always tell Crystal that she is my hero. I don’t know if she’ll ever believe it, because she is too humble for that title. But she is. And she will always be. I am a better human being because of her. I will always advocate for her. In that spirit, on Saturday, December 4, at the Daytona 100 (www.daytona100ultra.com), I will do my absolute best to walk in Crystal’s shoes… one foot in front of the other, down a path of grueling physical stress… by attempting to power walk 100 miles. I am doing this to pay homage to my friend… my hero… by spreading her message of advocacy, by promoting the importance of monthly self-exams and early detection of testicular cancer and by promoting awareness of the impact of colon cancer and the importance of early screenings, with the hope that we can save lives. I hope you will donate, in support of our joint mission. Crystal is someone who I have immense respect for… She is just a remarkable human being… someone who, through her example has reminded me just how connected we all truly are.
Donate here: https://gofund.me/83bb8600