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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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Kim Jones 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!! 

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Announcing TCAF Caregiver and Co-Survivor Blogger Alexia Karanikas

Today 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.

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