Celebrating 16 Years of Awareness, Support, and Survivorship
What began as one mom’s personal mission has grown into a powerful worldwide movement in the fight against testicular cancer.
Jordan, with his parents Kim & Jeff, at his Senior Night game.
In 2009, Kim Jones founded the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation (TCAF) after her son, Jordan “Sunshine” Jones, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. What began as one family’s journey soon grew into a worldwide effort to raise awareness, promote early detection, and ensure that no one faces this disease alone.
Jordan received his diagnosis of late-stage testicular cancer at just 13 years old. His family was initially told that the tumors in his abdomen were inoperable - that surgery was impossible. But Jordan refused to give up. After seven surgeries and three additional cycles of chemotherapy, he made a full recovery and returned to the football field throughout his high school years.
After seven years cancer-free, Jordan relapsed and passed away on June 8, 2016, surrounded by his closest family and friends.
The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation was founded while Jordan was in remission and continues to carry on his memory and honor. Just as Jordan fought fiercely when told he was inoperable, we continue our fight today - so that anyone impacted by this disease can find support, hope, and resources along the way.
As we celebrate 16 years of impact, we honor Jordan’s legacy, recognize the lives touched, and celebrate the incredible community driving our work forward. Over the years, Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has grown into the leading testicular cancer organization, providing educational materials in five languages - and we are continually expanding to reach even more people around the world. Working alongside doctors, survivors, and advocates everywhere, we remain committed to raising awareness, supporting those affected, and shaping a future where testicular cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and never faced alone.
Breaking the Silence and Saving Lives
When Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation began, discussions about testicular cancer were often avoided or overlooked. Over the past 16 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to change that - encouraging open, honest conversations about men’s health and the importance of early detection.
Through outreach, education, and advocacy, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has helped shift the narrative from stigma to strength. We’ve equipped thousands of young men and families with the tools and knowledge to recognize symptoms early, leading to countless lives saved.
Spotlight on Survivorship: The World Marathon Challenge
This year, we were inspired by one of the most remarkable displays of survivor strength and dedication. In January and February 2025, Dr. Clark Gamblin, a testicular cancer survivor and renowned surgical oncologist, ran in the World Marathon Challenge, participating in 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days to raise funds and awareness for Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
Dr. Gamblin’s determination, endurance, and commitment to our cause embody the very spirit of survivorship. His journey inspired supporters around the world and reminded the testicular cancer community of what’s possible when courage meets purpose.
The Testicular Cancer Conference Boston 2025
Another major highlight of our 16th year was the Testicular Cancer Conference Boston 2025, held September 25–26 at Harvard Medical School.
With a record number of survivors and over 100 attendees, it was our most successful conference yet, bringing together survivors, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals for two days of education, connection, and empowerment.
We are especially grateful to Fennec Pharmaceuticals, our Title Sponsor, whose generous support helped make this event possible. Their commitment to survivorship and improved quality of life for survivors aligns perfectly with our mission.
Volunteer Golf Tournaments: Tee Off for Testicular Cancer
The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation’s golf program continues to grow and thrive, driven by passionate survivors and volunteers. These tournaments not only raise crucial funds but also bring communities together to raise awareness about testicular cancer in a fun, engaging way.
This year, Steven Crocker, a testicular cancer survivor and Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation board member, hosted his first Tee Off for Testicular Cancer tournament in Norfolk, Virginia and is already planning his next one.
The first “Fore the Boys,” Tee Off Tournament, organized & run by survivors James Gordon & Sean Benoit, was held in Massachusetts last Thursday, on October 2. Additionally, the second annual “Have A Day Golf Outing,” in memory of Josh Westreich, was successfully hosted on September 22, in New Jersey.
Beyond these events, several other contacts are actively cultivating future tournaments, ensuring the program’s continued expansion. These volunteer-led tournaments showcase the power of survivor leadership and community support, helping to fund lifesaving education, outreach, and survivor programs nationwide.
HalfTorqued Dyno Day & Car Show Drives Awareness for TCAF
HalfTorqued, a community of car enthusiasts dedicated to positivity and inclusivity, recently hosted their Dyno Day & Car Show in Johnson City, Tennessee, in support of the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. Event hosts Jeremy Ray Taylor and Matt Smith, a testicular cancer survivor, proudly used their HalfTorqued YouTube and podcast platforms to raise funds and awareness for Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation’s lifesaving mission. The day brought together car lovers and supporters for a high-energy celebration filled with dyno runs, classic cars, and community connection—all with a purpose.
Matt and Jeremy also completed the restoration of a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, an exact replica of the car featured in the film London Calling, which premiered on September 19, 2025. Their dedication to both the project and the cause helped turn a day of horsepower into a powerful show of advocacy, education, and support for men’s health.
Racing Toward Awareness at the Bristol UNOH 250
Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation hit the track with Bill McAnally Racing at the Bristol UNOH 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Race. Representing Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation were Dillen Sexton and Josh Weinrich, who proudly sported Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation polos as they distributed educational materials and shared lifesaving information with fans and crew members in the pits. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped spread awareness to an audience that might not otherwise hear this important message.
During race day, Dillen, a testicular cancer survivor, also had the opportunity to meet driver Daniel Hemric, making the experience even more memorable.
Balls to Wall Street
In April, Tastytrade launched its bold Balls to Wall Street campaign, partnering with the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation to turn financial know-how into lifesaving awareness. With a largely male audience in the 20-40 age range - the group most at risk - the fintech firm used its platform to challenge stigmas and spark important conversations about men’s health. By blending humor, education, and purpose, Tastytrade proved that even Wall Street can have heart.
Celebrating Past Partnerships and Fundraising Milestones
Over the years, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has built incredible partnerships and hosted successful fundraising events that amplify our mission:
NFL “My Cause, My Cleats” Collaboration: Several NFL players featured the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation logo on their cleats to help raise awareness among fans and players alike.
Biking for Balls: In 2022, James Gray biked across the United States in just 40 days to raise awareness of testicular cancer, inspiring countless supporters along the way.
Deadpool Partnership: In 2016, the Deadpool franchise collaborated with the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation to release a cheeky, medically accurate PSA teaching men how to check themselves for testicular cancer. The campaign went viral, won a Clio award, and is credited by many survivors with saving lives. Self-exam inserts were also included in 3 million of Deadpool DVDs and Blu-rays.
These events and partnerships bring new audiences into the conversation, helping us continue to break the silence and reach communities nationwide.
Connecting with the Medical Community
The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation also attended several medical conferences this year, to engage directly with healthcare providers. By sharing educational resources, research updates, and survivor stories, we aim to raise awareness about testicular cancer among medical experts and foster collaboration to improve care and survivorship outcomes.
These efforts complement our public awareness campaigns, ensuring that both survivors and medical professionals are informed, empowered, and connected.
Expanding Global and Regional Impact: Centers of Excellence
In 2025, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation proudly celebrated the designation of our first international Center of Excellence at the University of Cologne in Germany, led by renowned testicular cancer specialist Dr. Axel Heidenreich.
We also awarded our first Center of Excellence in the Southern U.S. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with Dr. Charles Peyton spearheading the initiative.
These Centers of Excellence are critical hubs for specialized care, research, and education, allowing survivors and medical professionals to access the latest knowledge, treatments, and best practices. They strengthen Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation’s mission of improving outcomes for survivors both domestically and internationally.
Supporting Survivors: Financial Assistance and Direct Impact
Beyond raising awareness and educating the public, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation is committed to providing meaningful support to survivors and their loved ones.
Each year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to increase the assistance we provide. Over the years, Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has helped more than 250 survivors and their families with essential needs such as mortgage payments, gift cards for groceries, and gas or transportation assistance to medical appointments.
These efforts reflect our mission to ensure that no one faces testicular cancer alone, offering practical support alongside education, advocacy, and community engagement.
It Takes Balls Podcast: Celebrating 100 Episodes
It Takes Balls podcast is approaching a major milestone: its 100th episode! To celebrate, this special episode will feature catch-ups with past guests as well as interviews recorded during the Testicular Cancer Conference Boston 2025.
Since its launch, the podcast has provided an invaluable platform for survivors, medical professionals, and advocates to share stories, insights, and advice. It continues to be a go-to resource for those impacted by testicular cancer, helping to educate, inspire, and build community.
The 100th episode promises to be a celebration of survivorship, awareness, and the incredible journey of the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation over the past 16 years.
The Ball Room: A New Space for Survivors
This year, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation launched The Ball Room, a private, monthly virtual gathering for patients and survivors, by survivors.
The Ball Room is a safe space where attendees can speak freely, connect with others who truly understand their experiences, and find camaraderie in survivorship. Whether you are fresh out of treatment or years into remission, everyone is welcome.
What to Expect:
Real Conversations - Not a webinar or lecture, but an open, judgment-free zone to discuss recovery, relationships, mental health, or everyday life.
Shared Support - Participants can listen or share at their own pace, knowing there is always someone who “gets it.”
Consistency and Community - Meetings are held virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:30-9:00 PM EST.
Medical Expert - A guest medical expert will be on every call for a short Q&A session.
To honor privacy and vulnerability, The Ball Room is exclusively for survivors and patients. Caregivers, friends, and family members are kindly asked to allow survivors this dedicated time for connection.
The next meeting is October 21, 2025, and all survivors are encouraged to join this growing, supportive community.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 16 years of awareness, education, and support, we’re deeply grateful to every survivor, volunteer, sponsor, and healthcare professional who has stood beside us along the way. What began with one family’s fight has grown into a worldwide community united by purpose, courage, and hope.
Because of you, we’ve made incredible progress; changing the way the world talks about men’s health, empowering early detection, and ensuring no one faces this journey alone. Yet, our work is far from over. Each day, new patients are diagnosed, new survivors begin their next chapter, and new opportunities arise to spread lifesaving awareness.
Together, we’re building a future where testicular cancer is no longer a silent struggle but an openly discussed and well-understood disease. A future where every man knows the importance of early detection, every survivor has access to the support they need, and every life saved becomes a testament to what awareness can achieve.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping us continue to make a difference. Here’s to the next chapter - and to many more years of saving lives through awareness, support and survivorship.
