Cancer Fighters Stories - June Update

Get to know Jim Randall

Jim Randall, age 63, was born and raised in Clarksburg, WV.  He currently lives just outside of Claksburg in Quiet Dell.  He has enjoyed working most of his life as an electrician and recently retired from the FBI.  Jim is happily married to Cheryle who has been a supportive caregiver throughout his entire journey with cancer. 

When Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009, he and his wife were no strangers to cancer.  Three out of four of the couple’s parents died of cancer after being treated by doctors in their home area.  Soon after meeting with his local doctors, Jim decided that he wanted a second opinion.  Jim stated, “When you are told you have cancer, it is a shock to the system.”  But, he knew he needed to fight his cancer with advanced tools and treatments. 

Jim saw a Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) commercial, went on cancercenter.com and called to make an appointment.  Jim’s evaluation was at the end of April 2009 and within 12 days he was receiving his first chemotherapy treatment. 

Cheryle and Jim traveled 608 miles to CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. After his arrival, Jim felt he learned more about cancer in a day at CTCA than in his lifetime.  They showed him a virtual tour of his tumor, explained everything in clear terms, answered all his questions, and discussed all of his treatment options. At CTCA, Jim feels empowered by his doctors.

While in treatment, Jim and Cheryle joined Cancer Fighters.  They felt it was a group where they really fit in.  They found support and information to encourage them throughout Jim’s cancer journey.  Jim completed five chemotherapy treatments alongside radiation, and is now a survivor. He carries a worry that he may have a recurrence, but Jim has had positive results from all of his routine follow-ups.

Back at home, Jim shares with others, “Coming to CTCA was the smartest move of my whole life.”  Jim and Cheryle spread the word throughout their community about Jim’s experience and success fighting cancer. “We tell people that they are welcome to call us anytime to ask questions about CTCA or cancer. We’ve told people that it’s okay to call at 3:30 a.m. to be sure that they have a chance to survive.”

When you meet Jim, you quickly sense his enthusiastic love for life. He is dedicated to inspiring others with the same faith, hope, and love that guided him throughout his journey.