A St. Albert man says the COVID pandemic caused him to fall through the cracks with a cancer diagnosis and is now leaning on his family for support during his difficult time.
Jon Marrese, 39, is a longtime resident of St. Albert. The Bellerose High School grad is a dedicated husband and loving father whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on November 26th, 2021. And although the cancer has metastasized to Marrese's liver, lung, and spine, his optimistic outlook on life has endured, thanks in large part to the tireless support of his loved ones.
Marrese's cancer journey began months before his official diagnosis, as he struggled with symptoms that went unchecked because of the pandemic.
"Unfortunately, due to COVID, I fell through the cracks," he said, adding, "I should have advocated for myself more during this time."
Since his diagnosis, Marrese has experienced first-hand the all-consuming nature of cancer treatment.
"My appointments and chemo schedule is what my life revolves around," he said. However, he is quick to praise the support he has received from the Cross Cancer Institute, where the "compassion from the doctors, nurses, and employees is next to none."
Some days the fatigue is so bad, it is difficult for Marrese to get out of bed.
Unfortunately, his initial treatment failed, but he has since found more success with a new chemotherapy regimen and radiation therapy for his spine.
Cancer has forced Marrese to make significant lifestyle changes, including reducing his once-active lifestyle. He was previously a regular participant in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a man who enjoyed running hills and intense workouts in his home gym.
"I can work out, but the fatigue, and sometimes the pain, makes it very difficult," he says.
Social isolation has also been a challenge.
"I was pretty active before, with work and interacting with people," Marrese recalls.
Marrese credits his family as his most important support system throughout his cancer journey.
"My wife, Jamey, has been huge through all this. She really is a superhero," he says.
“We have tried to make our lives as ‘normal’ as possible. She makes this very easy for us. Along with working full time, she really hasn’t missed a step with hockey, lacrosse, dance, and gymnastics.”
Marrese's parents and in-laws have also provided invaluable help, assisting with everyday tasks and supporting their grandchildren, nine-year-old Marek and five-year-old Afton.
“Most mornings I was sick or struggled with pain, they helped get the kids to and from school. My back has been really bad since November, so my dad helping tie my son's skates and driving, when I couldn’t, was also a huge help.”
When asked about the advice he would give to someone who receives a similar diagnosis, Marrese emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and early detection.
"Sometimes speaking up for yourself or advocating that something isn't right is a huge barrier for one to overcome," he explains. “Being able to take your symptoms to a competent doctor and get the ball rolling on the diagnosis is essential to the process.”
He also stresses the power of maintaining a positive mindset. "Being negative is only going to make matters worse," he attests. "Now, have I always been positive? No. But 99% of the time, I've stayed positive, which makes dealing with such a devastating diagnosis much easier."
