Waiting On My Silver Bullet

At 27 years old, I thought I had it all. I had just started my dream job, was happily married and a proud new father. After visiting my doctor for what I thought were stress-related issues, I received the shock of a lifetime: stage IV colon cancer. 

That was just three years ago. 

Today, I am still fighting for my life. My family and I connected with the Undy 5000 5K this year and it has been a true rallying point and source of support for all of us. We’ve been to Atlanta and Washington, DC and plan on taking “Jake’s Jockeys” to San Diego next year. Throughout this journey, I’ve been on numerous chemotherapy combinations and several clinical trials, but at this point, my best hope lies in biomarker research. 

That’s why I’m excited about the Colon Cancer Alliance’s new Blue Hope Research Award and their continued mission to fund cutting-edge research. 

Biomarkers are the future of fighting this disease. The ability to specifically target your cancer – down to the genetic level with minimal side effects – is what all survivors are waiting for. I fight every day just to buy enough time until that silver bullet comes along and I can finally say that I am free of this disease. 

In the meantime, I refuse to let this cancer get the best of me. Stand up for what is most important to you. Never be afraid to reach out for help because it is there for you. 

I’m asking you to stand up and fight this disease with me. Please help the Colon Cancer Alliance continue to fund the critical support and research programs that patients like me are counting on. 

Always keep your chin up, 

 

Jake Lyons 
Survivor and Colon Cancer Alliance Ambassador 

P.S. Keep on running! Your involvement in the Undy 5000 5K series gives people like me hope that the community is looking out and alongside me as we search for a cure.