Defined by Cancer?
On this week’s episode of the Cancer Education Series, Jake DeHaai shares his life-sharing journey with pediatric cancer. Jake, a Des Moines native, works as an analyst for the United States Department of Homeland Security.
DeHaai was an active child who enjoyed playing sports. At nine, he noticed trouble breathing through his nose. After tests, a golf ball-sized tumor was found in his left nasal cavity. Post a successful tumor removal surgery, Jake endured a yearly inpatient chemotherapy treatment plan in Iowa City.
Jake’s cancer journey was physically and emotionally challenging. He recalls the emotional trauma his family also endured through treatment. Jake noticed the difficulty of his parents watching their child battle cancer, and the focus primarily on him rather than shared with his younger sister. Jake’s identity as “the kid with cancer,” never left until he moved for college.
He attended Iowa State University, majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Jake traveled the globe to live in Jordan and Morocco. “One thing my experience has taught me is to try to seize those opportunities when you have them,” he said. Jake continued to travel with Above + Beyond Cancer, taking trips to Nepal and the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. These expeditions gave Jake perspective for fellow cancer survivors experiences.
During his trip to Nepal, Jake’s view of how cancer had impacted his life shifts. “It wasn’t until that first trip when I really started to think about, ‘how is it still affecting me?’ At the time it was ‘what happened to me and now what am I doing because of it?’” He recognized that his experience with cancer is something that affected him and his family and would continue to in the future. Now, Jake finds joy in the moments that make him smile and laugh, spending quality time with his dog, wife, and family, and being outdoors.
To hear more about life beyond cancer and Jake’s journey, check out this installment of the Cancer Education Series on Above + Beyond Cancer’s YouTube Channel. To get involved with Above + Beyond Cancer, click here.
Blog written by:
Shona Heywood
(she/her/hers)
BS Administrative Management, MBA Marketing
shonaheywood@gmail.com