The Bates Family Journey
How the Bates Family Navigated Melanoma and Testicular Cancer Diagnoses for Their Son, Jordan
High school is often remembered as some of the best years in a young person’s life. But for Ann Bates’ youngest son, Jordan, those years took a heartbreaking turn.
When Jordan was 15 years old, his father took him to the pediatrician for what they thought would be a routine checkup on what appeared to be a mole. Unsure of what the mole could be, the Bates family followed the doctor’s advice and had it removed and sent to pathology as a precaution.
In the days that followed, Ann grew concerned as time passed by without results. Three out of five pathology labs deemed the abnormality was melanoma, something the Bates family never expected. As they prepared for Jordan’s treatment journey, Ann knew their world had changed forever.
Determined, Jordan and his family tried to maintain a sense of normalcy. But as they quickly learned, cancer impacts more than just the patient. Navigating cancer as a family through Jordan’s testing and surgeries was different for every member of the Bates household. Ann and her husband felt the fear and frustration of supporting their son while trying to understand a world they never expected to enter. Ann vividly recalls a moment when the family was walking among smiling strangers, she remembers thinking, “No one around us knows our world is crashing down.”
Despite the unknowns, Jordan showed strength throughout his treatment. One moment that stuck with Ann was when Jordan looked at his parents and asked, “Are you trying to not tell me I’m going to die”. As surgery approached, Jordan’s surgeon shared words that would become a motto of courage for the family: “This could be a trout, but we’re treating it like a shark.” Following his treatment, Jordan was declared cancer-free.
A Second Diagnosis:
Fifteen years after his first cancer diagnosis, Jordan at 30 years old was enjoying adulthood, living in a new state, engaged and planning his wedding. But again, life presented an unexpected challenge. When Jordan went to the doctor with concerns, he was referred to oncology, this time with the possibility of testicular cancer.
Ann sat on the campus of UCLA under the beautiful California sun, with a familiar fear. “How could anything bad happen on such a gorgeous day?” Following his oncologist’s recommendation, Jordan underwent surgery for removal and biopsy. After the surgery, he received the news that it was cancer. Fifteen years after his initial diagnosis, Jordan would have to prepare once again for treatment.
While wedding planning was put on the back burner, the experience also offered a new perspective. Jordan and his fiancée were married in 2017, surrounded by an intimate group of friends and family. The wedding was a life-affirming moment for everyone – a pocket of joy in a difficult time. Today, Jordan is doing well.
The Power of Progress in Cancer Research
Advancements in cancer research have played a critical role throughout both of Jordan’s cancer journeys. In each case, early detection was key, and Jordan’s medical teams chose to take no chances, recommending proactive treatment.
The work of all-star researchers funded by organizations like the V Foundation for Cancer Research has led to breakthroughs for families like the Bates. Ann is hopeful for continued progress.
“Every person working in research and clinical trials means more lives saved,” Ann said. “The Bates family is proud to support the V Foundation and are hopeful knowing 100% of direct donations go to life-saving research.”
For this family, Victory Over Cancer® has a personal meaning: access to treatment, confidence in medical care, and hope. The Bates family hopes by sharing Jordan’s story and supporting cancer research, they can help build a future where a cancer diagnosis doesn’t bring fear.
