John remembers exactly 20 years ago in 2003 when he knew that something was off with his body. This is something that John points out throughout his story that is one of his most important points – to listen to your body and to make sure you are always prioritizing it. When John lost a nail on his right-hand foot, he sought out a consultation with his doctor and they discovered that he had melanoma, a type of skin cancer that had gone deep. As John explains that they had to amputate his toe to remove the cancer, he makes a joke that he should get a discount on a pedicure for having one less toe. John remains humorous and upbeat like this throughout our entire conversation, and he never gets down one time.
A year later, John noticed something off again after his previous cancer had been marked as not having spread. This time a mole on his skin concluded that cancer had come back and it had spread to his lymph nodes. This began a year-long treatment plan of Interferon which included supercharging and self-injections multiple days a week. John worked through his entire year of treatment and said he was fortunate to have employers at AIG who were kind and understanding, as he is very aware not everyone has this kind of resource.
After almost a decade of being cancer-free, John found himself along the path again when they discovered prostate cancer. John underwent various treatments at Sunnybrook Hospital, including brachytherapy which was a new treatment at the time. This was successful and John was able to move forward. Since his successful prostate treatment, John has had several lumps removed from his body and he has continued to stay on top of monitoring his health. Currently, John is in the process of immunotherapy for traces of melanoma/lung cancer on his lungs that he found last March as part of his regular screening.
Throughout John’s telling of his journey, he is always pointing out the support system he had around him and he absolutely shines with positivity and resilience. His family, friends, work, dogs, and great doctors were able to make his fight a lot easier. John was lighthearted the entire time he spoke and said his biggest learning for people to takeaway was that life can get busy BUT to never take it for granted. Everyone needs to prioritize their health and body, staying active and getting regular check-ups just like he did. John learned in a presentation that being active and eating right can prevent cancer so now he prioritizes running multiple times a week, even through his current treatment. John is an advocate for exercise and research of your body and mind. He hopes to be able to support others going through the same journey as himself by telling his story. It is the most important thing to take action and to hold your support circle close, John will continue his fight and will thrive while doing it. Alongside his dogs and through his daily runs.
John is currently VP of Commercial Casualty-Risk Management at CNA Canada. He has been in the insurance industry for 42 years.