VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Imagine hearing the words, “you have cancer.”
Jay Lutz was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 17, just two days before he was scheduled to start classes at Trinity Western University.
“It blew us away,” says Lutz. “I thought it was baloney. I did not believe that it was true.”
Teh Langley native says he was in a restaurant when the doctor called and coincidentally Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” was playing on the radio.
But, after countless rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant in 2016 would save his life.
“My brother was my donor and that’s a special bond that he and I will always have.”
Lutz, who is now 20 years old, does not shy away from sharing his story.
He’s been speaking to audiences across Metro Vancouver, including at high schools, churches and fundraisers.
“I think it’s so important that since I’ve been given a second chance, that I make the most of this,” says Lutz.
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He’s also taken a public speaking course at Trinity Western to improve his ability to speak about a topic which may be difficult for some survivors to discuss.
But, Lutz says communication, especially during treatment, is very important.
“I think there’s strength in vulnerability, and strength in openness with others.”
He will be the keynote speaker at tomorrow’s “Leader’s for Light” fundraiser in Vancouver, which will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
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