Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Holdgreve.
Hi Jay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With God All Things Are Possible
I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in August of 2010, basically receiving the diagnosis on my 34th birthday. It was only 18 days from the time I went to my PCP, telling him all my symptoms: testicle discomfort, breast pain, low back pain and a cough that will not go away to when I had my orchiectomy. I was lucky that my PCP was not only my doctor, but friend, as we worked together while I was a student athletic trainer and he was a team doctor at The Ohio State University. Dr. Pongonis made sure I received the best care in a very timely fashion. The day after my initial appointment with him, I was getting an Ultrasound and blood work. A couple days later at 8:20 on Saturday morning he called me, letting me know all results were pointing toward Testicular Cancer. He assured me that he would get me the best care possible at the James Cancer Hospital. In 6 days I went from living a normal life with my wife and 3 kids, to now living with cancer.
I was scheduled with Dr. Ahmad Shabsigh the next week. After days of Brooke and I searching the internet and researching Testicular Cancer continuously, we were prepared for the consult. Dr. Shabsigh won us over from the time he entered the room. He was so happy, listened intently, was straightforward, answered every question, plus Brooke loved is suit & shoes His whole team was amazing. He confirmed the testing is showing I have Testicular Cancer and the results are pointing toward Non-Seminoma (the most aggressive). He was confident that it was caught early, but I needed a chest x-ray, CT scan, more blood work and surgery to remove the Testicle (Orchiectomy) asap. Once the testicle is removed, it will be biopsied for the cancer type, as well as some lymph nodes. I was there on a Tuesday and he was working me in for surgery on Friday. I was shocked to learn that removing a testicle is an outpatient surgery, I thought for sure I would have to stay overnight.
I got all the tests done and it was time for the surgery. As I was being rolled back for surgery, I could hear someone running in heels behind me in the hall. It was Dr. Shabsigh’s Nurse Practioner, Kellie, she wanted to let me know that my lungs were clear, the cancer had not spread to them. She was so happy and that news sent a calming effect throughout my body. The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room with Brooke and Kellie by my side. She told me the surgery went great, the incision was glued together, use lots of ice and compression and walk as much as you can. I thanked her and then asked if I was dreaming about her running up to me in the hall, she confirmed it was not a dream, it had happened, no cancer in my lungs. Dr. Shabsigh stopped in and said the surgery went great and they would see my back in 10 days, once they got the biopsy results back.
Recovery was much easier than I thought it would be. The biggest problem was keeping my kids from jumping on me or wanting to be picked up or held. My follow up with Dr. Shabsigh arrived and he informed my that the results came back and the diagnosis had changed to Seminoma, the “better” cancer, but I had enlarged lymph nodes that needed chemo and/or radiation. He set me up with the Head of Oncology at the James.
Dr. Martin was a military man, very straight forward, but compassionate and answered every question. He believed I could do a surveilance program and avoid chemo and radiation at this time. He was confident with testing every 3 months that even if the lymph nodes grew or it spread that I then could get treatment. I was very concerned with all of the side effects of chemo and radiation and was all about this treatment plan. I knew I was being treated by the best group of physicians at the best cancer hospital in the country. Dr. Shabsigh agreed and that is the path I went down. I can proudly say, the physicians guided me to the right path and I never needed chemo or radiation I am cancer free and it never spread!!
In late October of 2010, we were at a follow-up with Dr. Shabsigh and we asked about donating money to a Testicular Cancer fund at the James. Dr. Shabsigh looked into for us and reported back, that there was no funding for Testicular Cancer research or awareness programs at the James. We already knew that there were no support groups or educational services since I started my journey. After some conversations and research I decided to start the Jay Holdgreve Endowment for Testicular Cancer @ the Ohio State University’s James Comprehensive Cancer Center. I also informed Dr. Shabsigh that I was launching a website, www.tcare.org, to be a resource for men and their families who were diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. We agreed our goal was to be able to answer the Why. Why did I get Testicular Cancer? The answer to this question is not just for me, but for my two sons who are now more susceptible to getting Testicular Cancer, due to their family history.
The Endowment was set-up in a way that I had to raise $50,000 with-in five years to become a Fund, if I didn’t reach the goal the money would be moved to a general Fund. I was shocked by how many people doubted I would meet the criteria. I was told 75% of fundraisers fold after 3 years. I did lots of research on fundraising and after lots of talking with friends and family I chose the first fundraiser would be in my hometown of Delphos Ohio. The overhead was going to be less and I knew at least my family and friends would come. The event was named, Bowling for the Boyz, a little play on words. I had no idea what I was doing, I only gave myself 6 weeks to prepare, but I was confident that I would put on a good event and learn from the outcome. The first event was very successful, raising over $6,000. I was very happy with the results, but I knew it could be better. I was right with that thought. It grew every year, not only by the amount raised, but also the people who attended. My family and friends were always their, but each year new people came. They heard about it through social media, the newspaper, tv news, radio, or from others who attended previously. Complete strangers became friends and part of our family. The best thing that happened was Testicular Cancer survivors attended and thanked me for raising awareness. I decided that this past Bowling for the Boyz was going to be the last. After 15 years it was time to do something different. Bowling for the Boyz didn’t fold after 3 years, it grew each and every year. Bowling for the Boyz raised over $138,000 for the Jay Holdgreve Endowment for Testicular Cancer Research at the James.
I was able to fully fund my Endowment in 3 years. Bowling for the Boyz was my biggest fundraiser, but I also had events with local bars, restaurants and Jet’s pizza. My best friend also raised money by running thirty-one 5K’s, over 31 weeks. The endowment now totals $200,198!!!
From day one when I started the endowment, I used Woody Hayes iconic phrase: ” You can never pay back, but you can always pay forward” as my motivation. There has been so many people that have supported me and my family over the way. By Paying Forward, I not only thank them, we are making a difference in people’s lives. We have not been able to answer the Why, but the team at the James is able now to fund testicular cancer registries (genetic markings) and collaborate with other institutions on finding answers.
I always thought of a cancer diagnosis being a death stamp. For whatever reason, I was blessed to turn my cancer diagnosis into a positive. I had the opportunity to tell my story, to educate and encourage not only men, but everyone to get regular physicals and see the doctor if something doesn’t seem right. I have spoken at schools, with athletic teams and at conferences. I never thought an average guy from a small country town, with a normal job, and family of 5 could make a difference. This was all a true grassroots effort. I want everyone to know you don’t need to be rich, you don’t know need backing by corporations, you can make a difference 1 dollar at a time. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small. You just need to be passionate about the cause and work hard to get the word out. I was told no numerous times. I was down at times, but never out, because I believed in the cause and knew if given a chance it would be successful.
Pay Forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggles were dealing with the unknowns. The anxiety of waiting on test results and what the next steps would be. Dealing with insurance on coverage of the tests and medications added lots of stress.
Fundraising was where I most of my struggles. So many businesses said no to my ideas, not because they didn’t like them, but because “no one cares about Testicular Cancer”. I heard over and over that they would do it if it was for Breast Cancer, that is what people care about. I also dealt with businesses telling me no, but doing what I pitched on their own, mustaches for Movember. I also had businesses not fulfill their obligations and didn’t donate the full amount raised. Thankfully, there were businesses that went above and beyond for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a certified athletic trainer. My degree is from the Ohio State University, where I was a student athletic trainer. I worked with football (1997 Rose Bowl), men’s tennis, baseball (Big Ten Champions) and men/women cross country and track & field teams. I had the opportunity to travel the country, work with some of the world’s greatest athletes and be part of an amazing sports medicine team.
I also was a summer intern for the San Francisco 49ers in 1998. The first player I taped was Jerry Rice, it was like living in a dream. After graduation I was the full time athletic training intern for the Cleveland Browns when they returned to the NFL in 1999. I was diehard Browns fan, so this was a dream come true. The team was really bad, but being part of the NFL was a dream come true
I was hired by OrthoNeuro in 2001. I had many roles over the years; athletic trainer for Bishop Hartley high school, TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Developed Advanced Training Programs, Managed rehab clinic and all front desk team members and then became a Six Sigma Black Belt in Lean Process Improvement. I currently serve as the Process Improvement Manager for OrthoAlliance, which OrthoNeuro is a partner practice. I work on improving the patient experience, provider work flow and streamline processes.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have a large bourbon collection. My wife and I enjoy visiting various distilleries and have been to every major one in Kentucky. We enjoy tasting various bourbons and cocktails.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://tcare.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcareorg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcare.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-holdgreve-010218b
- Twitter: https://x.com/tcareorg/
