For Jeremy Setelin, the future holds milestones he hopes to share with his family: watching his daughter, Ryleigh Grace, grow up, celebrating more anniversaries with his wife, Emily, and making memories together.
On his 35th birthday, Jeremy learned he had colon cancer.
For several months, he had not felt like himself. An initial diagnosis of diabetes offered one explanation, but persistent abdominal pain eventually led to an emergency hospital visit and a cancer diagnosis. Following surgery to remove a mass from his colon, doctors determined that the cancer had spread to his liver, making it stage IV.
Today, Jeremy is receiving treatment at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. As he navigates the challenges of cancer and treatment, his hopes remain focused on time with the people he loves.
His experience is a reminder of why continued investment in cancer research matters. Advances in understanding and treating cancer can create more options for people like Jeremy and their families. Alongside that progress, people facing cancer need information, support, and access to care.
Jeremy also wants others to learn from his experience. He encourages people to pay attention to changes in their health and speak with a health care professional when something does not feel right. Persistent symptoms deserve attention at any age. People should also discuss which cancer screening tests are appropriate for them based on their age, family history, and other risk factors.
On October 17, the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball will recognize Jeremy as its 2026 mission honoree. By sharing his experience, he is helping our community understand what a cancer diagnosis means for a young family and why our support matters.
Every sponsorship, auction bid, and donation helps the American Cancer Society improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support. For families like Jeremy’s, that work is deeply personal. It represents the possibility of more birthdays, more anniversaries, and more everyday moments together.
We are honored to recognize Jeremy and grateful to everyone helping us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
