My name is Jared Sylvester, I am a 25 year old cancer survivor. Although I am not defined by my original diagnosis my life has forever been changed by the three simple words “you have cancer”. I grew up in Upper Arlington, Ohio and was blessed to be surrounded and loved by a great family and community. I went off to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio after graduating high school. During my Junior year I was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Osteosarcoma. I immediately withdrew from school and started treatment. As an independent college student who believed he was invincible this diagnoses brought about massive change in my world. Having never spent more than an afternoon in a hospital to living there non-stop for a year changed me as an individual and gave me renewed perspective on the world. After a full year of intensified chemotherapy and multiple surgeries to remove the tumor I was officially declared ‘in remission’. To be presented with such devastating news upon hearing I have cancer is overwhelming in one regard. But to hear my team of doctors pronounce me cancer free produces a lasting and penetrating peace that my emotions could not fathom. It was a long and difficult journey to travel down but standing on the other side of it I know that it has been the most shaping experience in my life. I am 100% confident to proclaim that my health care professionals are hands down the best in the country. Without the work of the Surgeons, Doctors, Physicians Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Researchers, and many others I would not be here today. I am eternally grateful for their endless care and support which saved my life. I personally witnessed the diligence, determination, and discipline of the Ohio State medical team and I know that every dollar donated to cancer research will be well spent because of any medical staff in the world this team is the most well equipped to bring about an end of cancer.
