Showing that he's a survivor - Los Angeles Times
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Showing that he’s a survivor

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For years Justin Edson has been participating in Newport Beach’s Relay for Life cancer awareness and fundraising event.

The 21-year-old started going when he was with Newport Beach’s police explorers program and continued when he became a cadet.

But two months ago, Edson’s motivation for participating changed. On Saturday, Edson walked as a cancer survivor for the first time. In March, doctors found a lump in his chest above his heart. He was diagnosed with Seminoma, but doctors caught it early.

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Since then, Edson’s undergone several chemotherapy treatments and will find out soon if he’s 100% cancer free.

But he said nothing would stop him from being out there Saturday.

“The only doubt I had was if I was going to be in a wheelchair or actually walk it,” he said. “I’m going out there to do that lap. I support the 24-hour relay and all, but to me it came down to the main heart of it was the survivor lap. I’m there to show I’m a survivor. I think it’s important to share and for people to have someone to talk to.”

—Joseph Serna

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