What is the DeLuca Fight Club
Our Story
In July 2022, Julie and her husband were celebrating their wedding anniversary, but something wasn't right. Her husband, Jason, typically full of energy and life, started feeling unusually sick. What began as an "off" feeling during their trip quickly escalated into something more serious when they returned home. Despite multiple visits to the doctor and rounds of steroids and antibiotics, his health kept deteriorating. After months of uncertainty, he went to the emergency room, where new symptoms like neck and back pain added to their growing worries. Finally, an MRI revealed the unimaginable: his entire spine was compromised with cancer.
The diagnosis was EGFR-19 Lung Cancer, which had spread to his organs and bones. By the time they understood what was happening, he was already at stage IV. It was a shock that turned their world upside down and tested every bit of their faith. The severity of his condition led to three major surgeries within just one month: two to stabilize his femurs and one partial hip replacement. The doctors said he was walking on toothpicks.
Since then, Jay has undergone ten rounds of radiation, surgeries, targeted therapy, and is currently on his fifth round of chemotherapy. EGFR-19 Lung Cancer is rare and typically affects younger, healthier people. It's not caused by smoking, which shattered Julie’s earlier assumptions about lung cancer. It often goes undetected because routine bloodwork can come back normal, as it did with her husband. If he hadn't had that MRI, they might have never known, and he might not be here with them today.
After 18 months of this journey, Julie and her husband have decided to share their story. It's been a difficult and isolating experience, but they want to raise awareness that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and it can happen to anyone. It creeps up silently, stealing so much from those it touches, and places a huge burden on families.
They are incredibly grateful to their family and close friends who have stood by them throughout this ordeal. Their support has been invaluable. They also want to thank the doctors and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering for their exceptional care and dedication.
They ask for your prayers and positive thoughts as they continue this battle. Julie believes in miracles, and her husband, the strongest person she has ever known, truly deserves one. If you’re reading this, know that they appreciate your support, and they hope their story inspires you to cherish every moment and remain vigilant about your health.