2, 2020, Jill, a Pilates studio owner and fitness professional, was blindsided with another health blow when diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular breast cancer, despite yearly mammograms, monthly self-checks and no family history of cancer. Go Ontario Christian Knights! And, of course, GO RAMS!Īfter surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident 10 years prior, Jill thought her long years of multiple surgeries and rehab was finally in her rearview mirror. I retired from my career and became a volunteer High School JV Football Coach. After a long and slow recovery, I was able to run (jog) a half marathon only one year later! After my cancer experience, I re-evaluated my priorities in life. I missed that first game at the Coliseum against the Cowboys because I was too weak to go, but I played every other game that year, feeling weak or not. I was in the hospital getting a chemo treatment when the window to buy my first season tickets came up, so my son completed the process for me. The Rams also were a part of my recovery. Without the care and support of my doctors and family, especially that of my wife and kids, I am not sure I could have endured. Facing your mortality is very emotional and sometimes very dark. It was, by far, the toughest experience of my life, mentally. Like many cancer patients, it was all I could handle physically. Your life forces feel as though they are being drained from you. The radiation treatments were coupled with chemotherapy sessions too. The treatment plan required 40 minutes of targeted radiation, 5-days a week, for eight weeks straight.

I quickly learned what 'surreal' felt like! I couldn't believe that this was happening to me. It turned out that I had a 3-inch tumor in my throat.

The doctor referred me to a specialist, but the appointment was 8-weeks out. My wife called every day looking for any cancellations and got me an appointment only six days later. I went to the emergency room and had many test performed. On April 16, 2016, I woke up and noticed a golf ball sized lump on the right side of my throat.

Crucial catch