As a cancer survivor, Jason understands how important it is to focus on health. Since 2014, Jason has been a clinical fellow at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the institution that saved his life and helped him discover his career path. This October, he will give back to the hospital in a different way by serving on the St. Jude Ride committee and helping organize the St. Jude employee team.
In 1995, Jason was a typical middle school student who hung out with his friends and played on his school’s football team, with an eye toward playing professionally one day. Everything changed, though, when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and referred to St. Jude for treatment.
Jason’s treatment plan included two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, and he was one of the first to be treated for ALL without radiation therapy. Jason successfully beat his cancer and, in the process, found a new calling in life.
During treatment, Jason had a lot of questions about what was happening to him and realized he had a talent for science. “I started to think I could help others who might be in this position, but from the other side if I decided to become a doctor,” he says.
In pursuing his career dreams, Jason also held on to his passion for staying active and competing in endurance events, including triathlons, marathons, and cycling.
“I love competing against the clock in endurance racing,” Jason says. “It’s a fun lifestyle that helps maintain my health, especially as a cancer survivor. The St. Jude Ride is a unique event that is helping an institution I’m passionate about.”
For more information or to register for this year’s St. Jude Ride (30, 62, and 100-mile distances) on Oct 20, visit at stjude.org/ride. Get $5 off with code SUMMERSAVE exp 10/20/2018
By Lynda Nance
