Joe McDonough Jr. - Call for Your Results

Joe McDonough liked to work-out at the gym...or at least he like the benefits of a good work-out. He lifted weights and used the cardio machines on a regular basis. At 33 years-old, he was "still" in great shape. During one of his work-outs he noticed something felt like it "popped." He called his mother, a nurse, to tell her about it and explained that it didn't hurt. He thought he might have a hernia. Maybe his weightlifting form was off and it caused an injury? So he went to see his doctor.

He didn't have a hernia. Tests revealed he had melanoma in his lymph nodes. Surprisingly, doctors were unable to find the source of his skin cancer. It wasn't until he was reminded of a mole that had been removed ten years earlier that he learned of the source. On his chart from that procedure was a note indicating his mole was a probable melanoma. Joe was never told. He was told he would be called if anything was found. No one called and since he was really too young for cancer he didn't question it. Why would he? No news is good news...right? After a courageous, two-year battle Joe died at age 35.

Joe's family wants 15 through 40 year-olds to take their health care personally. Joe and his wife had just bought a house, they were thinking about having children, and then a stage 4 cancer robbed Joe, his wife and his entire family. Make sure you follow-up on your tests and be certain of your results. It is unlikely that you have cancer but it can happen. If it does, the best time to find it is early. Advocate for yourself