I'm 43 years old. A father and a husband, and a professional loser...
I fought the GIJOE team, and was killed.
I fought the raptors of Jurassic Word... I was slaughtered.
I fought for control of the Planet of the Apes. I lost.
I fought Key & Peele for the cutest kitty in the world. I was shot.
I've even fought Keanu Reeves in court. I was defeated.
In 2014 I fought for my life against testicular cancer. I won that battle.
My name is Jeremiah Ray. I was diagnosed with stage IIIc testicular cancer on April 1, 2016. At the time I was pursuing my MFA, I was merely weeks away from graduation when diagnosed. My intention, in furthering my education, was to teach art at the college/university level. I was very keen on helping others explore their own, per-existing, visual vocabulary as well as helping them develop new means of communication and expression. However, all this changed one day when, walking to the CTA, I had a seizure, was hospitalized for a number of days, and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
Read MoreI was asked by the Jones family to share with you a few words about Jordan. For Kim,Jeff, Breanna and Jordan, I would do just about anything, so I jumped at this opportunity! I have so much to say.... Jordan has taught us all so much! I've decided to share with you all some of Jordan's amazing qualities.
Read MoreLike many of you, I never met Jordan Jones. And like many of you, Jordan has influenced my life in a profound way. A way that I would like to share with you.
Read MoreWhen on the field in a game or in practice, he exhibited an attention to detail and punished the opponent with his play. Jordan was a warrior in so many other areas of life as well. He was dealt a very tough hand at young age but met his challenges head on and fought like very few can. To battle cancer and to maintain a personality from which others derived the nickname "Sunshine," speaks to his attitude, composure, toughness, spirit and his determination to press on through the extremely challenging circumstances he was given. I never saw Jordan with a negative attitude. This is true even when he knew his time on Earth was coming to a close.
Read MoreA huge part of who I am is from growing up with Jordan. We weren't like normal siblings. We truly loved each other and enjoyed being together. We learned from each other. We really almost never fought. I am blessed to have had such an amazing relationship with Jordan throughout our entire childhood thru to being young adults.
Read MoreJordan's last days were the toughest of all with so much pain and suffering, yet he continued to try and be present for Jeff, Breanna and myself. Just 3 days ago on our walk, he was the one consoling me and said he'd always be here for me no matter what. He said that because of our story, and his pain and suffering, we have touched millions of lives and have saved many, and will continue to do so for a thousand years. His exact words. . . To know my son, is to love him! We have all learned so much from Jordan on how to live with such great passion for life, strength and deep, deep compassion for others, and most importantly, to LOVE!!
Read MoreToday is a very special day. Not only does today mark the start of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, but my husband, Nate, and I are also celebrating a huge milestone. He is officially two years cancer free! Considering that the majority of relapses occur in the first two years, this is a moment we have cautiously awaited for the last 731 days. I feel so grateful to TCAF founder, Kim Jones, for the opportunity to write my first blog in support of all past and present testicular cancer patients and caregivers during such a monumental moment in our lives.
Read MoreWe are excited to be hosting the Wego Health weekly Health Activist Chat (#HAChat) on Twitter this Tuesday, at 3pm EST. We'll be discussing testicular cancer awareness month and testicular cancer education for an hour!
Read MoreNone of what we do here at TCAF would be possible without the support of so many who join us in our cause. TOGETHER we fight. TOGETHER we stand. TOGETHER we can!
Read MoreIn this post, we're going to lead off the series on treatment side-effects with a look at chemo induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
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