My journey of survival, hope and advocacy for precision medicine

By Randy Thompson, Patient Working Group member

My name is Randy Thompson. I’m a husband, a father of three, and a late stage cancer survivor. On March 27, 2020, my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal and liver cancer at the age of 55. I had always been in good health, so hearing that news was nothing short of a shock. Two months earlier, I’d noticed a minor symptom that seemed out of place and decided to seek medical advice. Little did I know, this seemingly small issue would reveal a much larger, far more sinister health crisis.

The reality of my diagnosis was overwhelming. Cancer—stage 4, no less—was not something I expected, especially as someone who had always taken pride in living a healthy lifestyle. The truth is, cancer is often silent in its early stages, growing silently within the body without showing noticeable signs. This was my reality. At the time, I had no idea how advanced the disease was or how drastically my life was about to change.

The day I received my diagnosis, everything stopped. My thoughts immediately turned to my family. How could I provide for my wife, Heather, and our three children if I didn’t survive this? It was a devastating blow, not just to my health, but to my sense of security as a father and husband. As the weight of the news settled in, Heather and I had a moment of clarity: No matter what, I was going to survive. This wasn’t just about fighting cancer; it was about fighting for my family. That was my driving force. The decision to push forward, with everything I had, became the foundation of my journey.

The next few days were a blur as we met with my medical team, and a case conference was held to discuss my prognosis and the best course of action. Given the aggressive nature of my diagnosis, chemotherapy was quickly identified as the most promising treatment option. Precision medicine—an approach that tailors treatment based on a person’s unique genetic makeup and environmental factors—wasn’t an immediate option for me at that time due to the urgency of my situation and the specifics of my cancer. Chemotherapy was the most viable solution available to give me the best chance of survival, and after careful consideration, Heather and I agreed to move forward.

My treatment was intense. I underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and it wasn’t without its toll on my body. The side effects were challenging, and the emotional weight of the process was immense. But it was also during this time that my interest in precision medicine began to grow. I had always believed in the power of understanding the whole person—how their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment can shape their health. As I read more about precision medicine, I realized its potential to revolutionize cancer care. The idea of tailoring treatments based on a patient’s individual characteristics rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach was a game changer.

As my treatment progressed, I faced additional challenges. Three times, I experienced lung tumour recurrences. Each time, I underwent a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. These recurrences were devastating, but they didn’t stop me. Instead, they strengthened my resolve. I was determined to keep going—for my family, for my future, and for the greater cause of cancer research. After a long and difficult road, I am proud to say that in 2025, while I remain on a maintenance plan of chemotherapy, I will celebrate my fifth year cancer-free! It’s a milestone I never thought possible, and I carry that victory with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. I also believe I would not be here today, without the amazing understanding and support from my wife and children!

Through this journey, my belief in the power of precision medicine has only grown stronger. I’ve come to understand that the more we can personalize care based on a person’s genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle, the better our chances of identifying disease risks early and tailoring treatments to suit the individual. It’s clear that when medicine is personalized, patients are not only more likely to survive, but they’re also more likely to have a better quality of life throughout their treatment.

This belief led me to become involved with the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. When I learned about their work in advancing precision medicine and supporting patient involvement in research, I knew I had to be part of their mission. The Network is at the forefront of developing and implementing precision medicine approaches, and their commitment to putting patients at the heart of the solution is exactly what cancer care needs. As a patient advocate, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my experiences and helping amplify the voices of those who, like me, are navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.

I believe that one of the most powerful ways we can make a difference in cancer care is by ensuring that patients have a seat at the table in discussions about treatment and research. Patients need to be active participants in the search for a cure. They need to share their stories, their experiences, and their data. It’s through this collaboration—between patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers—that we will see real change.

Precision medicine must become a priority for every cancer patient. It’s not just about the science—it’s about making cancer treatment more effective, more personalized, and more accessible. By working together, we can help ensure that cancer is detected at earlier stages, and that treatments are specifically tailored to the needs of the individual. This will ultimately give every patient the best chance of survival, just as I was given the chance to survive.

In my own life, I’m living proof that it’s possible to beat the odds. But I’m also committed to helping make a difference for others who are facing the same battle. I will continue to advocate for the power of precision medicine and support efforts to make it a reality for every cancer patient. It’s not just about my survival—it’s about ensuring that one day, all cancers will be caught early, and every patient will receive the personalized care they need to beat this disease.