After 5 months of treatment we were told Jon had 6 months to live. That his cancer was too aggressive and no further treatment would help. The next day Jon said to me “Lets get married”. We were 22 and 23, had been dating for 8 years, knew we would get married one day, so we did it. We got officially engaged, traveled to Disney World, went on a family vacation to Hilton Head, got married, honeymooned in Hawaii, snorkeled, ATV’d, went in a helicopter, got lots of massages, traveled to San Fransisco, Seattle, Napa Valley, and Vegas with friends from college, took weekends to the Finger Lakes, went to New York City during Christmas time, went back to Disney World, and so many happy, fun moments in between. We truly made the most of every moment. We even got a puppy. Jon didn’t want to sit around on the couch and be sad about his diagnosis, he wanted to live his life, make memories, and not waste a second of time. Receiving a bad prognosis is almost as bad as when you actually lose the person you love, but knowing the memories you made with them, all the adventures you went on, and all the laughs you shared makes it hurt a little less.

Our goal is to create a memorable experience for patients and families. We aim to fund an experience, special event, or activity. Some examples may be a sporting event, trip to Disney World, or a concert. We can help support an experience that is important to you.

The application can be found on the link below in the blue box labeled “Application”.

Email all applications to jdsfoundation716@gmail.com with subject “One Day at a Time Fund Application”.

A phone interview will be scheduled after the application is reviewed.

• 18-39 years old

• Serious Prognosis

• Doctors note listing disease and prognosis information

• Located within the United States

• Feel you need assistance with a special event or activity

Cancer treatment is a very difficult, unfair, scary experience that has no clear roadmap on how to navigate. Family support and therapists help, but talking to someone who actually went through the same or similar experience is very beneficial.

When Jon began high dose chemotherapy at Indiana University he was able to text with a past patient. Those few text exchanges meant more to him than any of us will ever know. When he felt his worst, he knew he would feel better in a day or so based on his mentors experience. He was given a different perspective than any doctor or family member could provide him.

The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation (TCAF) hosts an annual conference to connect patients, survivors, and medical professionals.

The Ball Room is a monthly virtual meeting for patients and survivors. It is a peer support and educational forum. Medical experts share general information only and cannot give personal medical advice.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, supporting a loved one, or years into survivorship, ‍ ‍It Takes Balls Podcast provides education, awareness, support, and honest conversations to help listeners feel informed and less alone.

TCAF has an app called “TCAF Connect” to connect patients, survivors, and caregivers.

The JDS Foundation’s support facebook group

TCAF’s support facebook group

Worth the Wait - “Our mission is to empower young adult cancer survivors on their path to parenthood. We provide financial support and educational resources for fertility treatments, adoption, and surrogacy while advocating for oncofertility within the healthcare system and beyond.”

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