Cancer has impacted my life in so many ways; the emotion roller coaster; the fear of losing my son; the rose colored glasses that were ripped from my face; survivor guilt; PSTD; depression, anxiety; and gratefulness beyond belief. I have gone through the trenches with people I only met through the internet, sharing a common bond that none of us really want to share. My new-normal life's passion is to speak to other about their cancer or caregiver journey and I so through several non-profits. I have also returned to college in order to earn my bachelors then master's to change professions and counsel cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. It's an eight year plan and I'm in year four.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 5, 2017maryann-cortez, AmbassadorComment

Ambassador Bio: Ricky James

Hello everyone. My name is Ricky. I'm a native of southeast Louisiana. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 45 on Oct. 3rd, 2012 at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans after feeling heaviness and some pain for a few weeks. A few days later on Oct. 8th, I had Orchiectomy surgery on my right testicle with a prosthetic implanted at Tulane Medical Center. The path report revealed stage 1b non-seminoma with LVI. The tumor was composed of 95% seminoma, 5% immature teratoma with malignant transformation to PNET. Due to my family's concern, I had a 2nd opinion for treatment options at MD Anderson in Houston. Starting December 10th, 2012, I received 1xBEP chemo regimen inpatient at MD Anderson. I had a pretty rough time after chemo for a couple of years, but I'm doing much better now. On Oct. 8th, 2017, this day will mark 5 years in remission for me. Both my parents died of cancer before I was 25, so when cancer invaded my body, I was truly terrified. My testicular cancer diagnosis changed me forever.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 4, 2017Ricky-James, Ambassador Comments

Ambassador Bio: Michael Muriett

I know many of you already through my prior work with Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation doing education for the foundation. I'm the father of Justin Muriett who was a late stage (3C) diagnosis when he was 19 years old. He already had multiple mets when diagnosed including a retroperitoneal mass, a spinal mass, and small lung mets. Justin went through chemo, an RPLND, Radiation, and also physical and occupational therapy after losing leg function due to the spinal tumor. During radiation, Justin was actually terminally diagnosed by Dr. Einhorn in Indiana, due to the fact that he had a malignant transformation of his tumor to a more aggressive PET tumor.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 4, 2017michael-muriett, LeadAmbassador Comment

Ambassador Bio: Jim Strowe

It all started with a backache in 1992. I had an upper GI after an emergency room visit, and my life got complicated quickly. Now there was no talk of testicular cancer at this point. I had a retroperitoneal tumor near my pancreas and the surgery was exploratory. I get operated on and wake up with tubes everywhere and thinking I had just been stuck with a bad ginsu knife. I had a scar from my sternum down below my belly button and was quite freaked out. Six weeks of recovery and an appointment withmy surgeonsaying "hey Jim you have a seminoma (12 x 5 cm from the report) " I had no idea what significance a "seminoma" was, nor much of anything about testicular cancer.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 4, 2017Jim-Strowe, AmbassadorComment

Ambassador Bio: April Vogel

My 19 year old son was diagnosed with stage 4 choriocarcinoma 3 years ago and nearly lost his life to this disease a day later. Everything happened so fast that we really didn't have any choices. Adam was so sick and we just had to go with the protocol that his oncologist and medical team decided on for him. Luckily we had an amazing oncologist and urologist, not to mention the brain surgeon that saved his life. Even if we had choices I wouldn't have known which way to go. Our family and friends were an amazing support system but we had no one that knew anything about Testicular Cancer. All we had was the information we could find on the internet.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 4, 2017april-vogel, Ambassador Comment

Ambassador Bio: John Armijo

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.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 4, 2017john-armijo, LeadAmbassador Comment

Ambassador Bio: Jeremiah Ray

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.

Ambassadors, Ambassador BiosKim JonesApril 3, 2017jeremiah-ray, Ambassador, HDC, highdosechemotherapyComment

Jordan Jones Legacy - Liz Homuth's Eulogy

I 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.

Jordan Jones LegacyKim JonesAugust 2, 2016Comment

Jordan Jones Legacy - A Stream of Consciousness by Dr. Pierorazio

Like 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.

Jordan Jones LegacyKim JonesJuly 22, 2016 Comment

Jordan Jones Legacy - Coach Brandon Harrison

When 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.

Jordan Jones LegacyKim JonesJuly 20, 2016Comment

Jordan Jones Legacy - A Sister's Farewell

A 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.

Kim JonesJuly 12, 2016 Comments

Jordan Jones Legacy - A Mother's Farewell

Jordan'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!!

Jordan Jones LegacyKim JonesJuly 11, 2016 Comments

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