The light and warmth The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society generates delivers hope in a time of despair, a community in place of loneliness and life-saving RESEARCH & SUPPORT for cancer patients and their families. Together, we are taking steps to end cancer. Here's my story: 

There’s no denying hearing the words “You Have Cancer” can be one of the darkest, scariest and most deflating group of words anyone can ever hear. I was in complete shock. I went to the emergency room thinking I was having a heart attack only to be told by an ER doctor that I had some form of cancer and the next steps were to determine where the “activity” was in my body.

It was on July 10, 2019 that I learned I had Stage 4 Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Even though I received the devasting news of NHL, somehow I had the ability to see the silver lining…which was…the NHL that I had was a highly aggressive cancer, but more importantly it was highly treatable.

Thanks in large part to the phenomenal team of physicians that I had through Texas Oncology in Dallas and most of all because I decided that I was going to fight, I was not going to let this cancer diagnosis define me or defeat me. But rather, I was going to be in the driver’s seat and take control of this situation. 

During my first round of chemotherapy, one of my good friends and former colleagues, Allyson Fezler, encouraged me to get involved and to share my story with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. While exploring the LLS website, I remembered the organization held a huge walk each year. I quickly looked to see when the walk was taking place in Dallas. Next thing you know from my hospital bed, I had formed a team called “Jason’s Journey” for the Light the Night Walk here in my own backyard.

While undergoing chemo treatments ever 21 days for 24 hours a day 5 days in a row, I began to raise money for LLS. In less than five 5 weeks, I raised over $8,000 and then by the time the walk happened my team and I ended up raising over $13,000.

I often tell people “This isn’t just a walk; this is a life-changing event.” From standing in the survivors circle to seeing my family and friends in attendance that night to support me and for knowing that I, along with so many others, raised critical dollars towards the mission for LLS…this was something that I was so grateful to have experienced firsthand.

The more I got involved with Light The Night and the more I learned about LLS, I discovered LLS helped fund the research that led to Rituxan which was part of my chemo regimen. Speaking of chemo treatments, I’m happy to report that November 1, 2019 was my last day of chemo and November 18, 2019 I was officially deemed cancer free. And even better news, just last month I celebrated being 6 months being cancer-free. I attribute a lot of my success on my journey to having the best attitude possible and for being connected with LLS. It was great to have something to look forward to such as Light The Night.

Thank you for your generous donation and support of Team Jason's Journey which is part of Light The Night North Texas. If you would like to learn more about Light The Night or to contact me for additional questions, please select contact the Organizer and I will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.