Cancer doesn’t ask for permission before it changes a family’s life. It comes into life uninvited and turns their world upside down. Justin was only 5 years old when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
What followed Justin’s diagnosis was a life split between hospitals, two bone marrow transplants over nine years, and a relapse at 11 years old, which meant fighting the battle all over again, only this time, he was old enough to fully understand what was going on.
Now, after a long journey, Justin is 30 years cancer-free! During this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Justin reflects on his journey with cancer and how surviving something no child should have to go through has given him the wisdom he has today.
Something that Justin continues to carry with him from his journey with cancer is to “pay it forward.” Having friends, family, the THON™ community, and Club Cross Country along the way gave Justin “overwhelming support,” and he works to be that beacon of light for others who are going through similar experiences.
“Be that light of support, that can be real wisdom to me.”
Being 30 years cancer-free is a milestone most 5-year-olds can’t picture, but Justin offers his words of wisdom to those going through cancer right now about life after treatment.
“Be able to lean on the support that has guided you through that.”
Justin took his experience and looked to give back. After attending Camp Can Do, a camp for kids with cancer, Justin became a counselor at the camp. His strength and wisdom in giving support to campers who are going through a similar journey as him show how caring Justin is as a person. When thinking about what his younger self would be proud of today, Justin remembers when he stepped into his involvement with THON after treatment. His selflessness and passion for helping others are things that will continue to stick with people throughout their time with cancer.
“I was able to use my journey as a way to help others facing the difficulties today.”
Being a Four Diamonds child has given Justin a blessed outlook on his cancer journey. “To have so much excellent care and the amount of things now that are available for Four Diamonds children is tremendous, and I’m thankful that the support has grown.”
After a long journey, Justin is cancer-free. In the spring of 2024, Justin decided to retire from being Team Dad for Club Cross Country, his paired organization, after holding that title for years. Justin is happy to announce that he was able to complete his first-ever 10k race thanks to “all the loving support from Club XC over the years.”
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that every child’s journey is unique, but no family should have to go through it alone. “The overwhelming support and love that the THON community has for its families is tremendous.” Justin’s story reminds us how the support of THON leaves a lasting impact even after treatment ends.
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
