Jason Diaz
“When I first started to experience symptoms, I knew something was wrong. I just never imagined it would be stomach cancer.”
Jason Diaz noticed the first symptoms of stomach cancer almost two years before diagnosis. At 32 years old, doctors suspected Jason’s symptoms were most likely a case of gastric reflux because he was young and healthy. Unfortunately, his symptoms persisted and at times, became unbearable so he advocated for himself to see a Gastroenterology specialist. He then had an endoscopy and a tumor was found. “When I heard that it was cancer, a small part of me felt relieved that we were finally figuring out what had been bothering me for so long,” Jason says.
After getting a second opinion, Jason began treatment at City of Hope. “I qualified for a clinical trial and decided to enroll. I felt like it would give me access to the most promising research for my disease and have the potential to help other patients in the future.” While in treatment, Jason married the love of his life and his biggest supporter, Melissa. Four days later, he had his stomach cancer surgically removed. “October will forever be my favorite month, because so many life-changing events occurred,” he recalls. Three months later, Jason celebrated his 33rd birthday by finishing treatment.
Now cancer-free, Jason was inspired to advocate for other cancer patients facing a cancer diagnosis and today, serves as a patient advocate on the SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Research Team led by Dr. William Sellers and the Stand Up To Cancer Gastric Cancer Interception Research Team led by Dr. Andrew Chan. He specifically advocates for advances in early detection. “I’m passionate about early detection because I’ve seen too many friends—and people I consider family—lose their lives because their cancer was caught too late. We have an opportunity to change that, and it starts with awareness, education, and listening to people when they say something doesn’t feel right.”
The advice Jason wants to give others who are experiencing symptoms but not getting answers: “Keep advocating for yourself. Call other doctors, get second and third opinions, don’t stop until you’re heard. You get one life, and nobody knows your body like you do.”
Jason is grateful for where life has taken him. “What has brought me the most joy, is becoming a father. I was blessed with two beautiful children. They are my everything and remind me every day why I fight so hard for this cause. They’ve helped me put my own cancer battle in the rearview mirror, but they’ve also fueled my drive to protect others and push for early detection.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
