John Abrams, our new LRG State Leader for Colorado, has a vision of helping others cope with GIST.
John’s story spans a journey with three types of cancer. First, misdiagnosed in 1997 with leiomyosarcoma, he had a mass removed, followed by four months of traditional chemotherapy. In 2001, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Two years later, a gallbladder attack led to the discovery of metastatic GIST, which was treated with Gleevec. In 2004, John was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which he received radiation treatments. John is no stranger to cancer and the trials that come with the journey.
Due to severe hand cramping side effects from Gleevec, John retired from his profession of dentistry. Presently, he does management and clinical consulting for younger dentists and flips houses with his son, Andrew. He enjoys time with his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. Afternoons he can be found on the golf course. As a couple, the Abrams enjoy traveling the world, but every summer they look forward to vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado with their entire family making precious memories.
John refers to himself as the “luckiest, unlucky guy I know.” He hopes that his ability to persevere during trying times will motivate and inspire others living with GIST. Plans for his first local support group meeting in September are in
the works.
