Many people who look at cancer in the face become like the proverbial phoenix rising – reborn anew to live! JP Gallagher is one of those individuals who did not sit by and let cancer dictate his life.
In October of 2007 JP was diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer. It is a cancer rarely seen in younger people. At 37 JP was facing the battle of his life. Community is a big term for a cancer patient since countless survivors tend to come together to combat their various forms of the disease. However, for JP, there was not a large community of gastric cancer patients. Unfortunately, gastric cancer is relatively obscure and treatment plans, survival rates, success stories and support networks were not readily available for him.
Almost a year after his diagnosis, realizing a major gap in the community and an opportunity to make a positive change, JP teamed up with Dr. James Ford (his oncologist at Stanford University) and created the Gastric Cancer Fund. Through education, support, research and advocacy, the fund is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by gastric cancer and working with leading researchers to find a cure to this disease. They have also joined with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, creating a powerful relationship for both organizations to achieve their common goal of fighting cancer.
Visit the Gastric Cancer Fund and learn more about JP and his story, help spread the word, and perhaps share your own story.
Sidenote: JP is married to a childhood friend of mine, Cindy Grogan Gallagher. They have two beautiful children!
