Dear family & friends:

 

As many of you know, Justin went in for a routine hernia repair on March 24, but that day, and the weeks that followed, have turned out to be anything but ordinary.

 

At the commencement of the hernia repair, the outpatient surgeon made a small incision in the abdomen. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, Justin began to lose a significant amount of blood. He was rushed to the emergency room at Cedars Sinai, where trauma surgeons discovered a large tumor attached to his stomach. Justin received blood transfusions, and thankfully, the surgeons were able to resect the tumor successfully.

 

Justin received exceptional care from the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cedars. He was the topic of conversation. While hospitalized, in true Justin form, he befriended several people, including an ICU nurse and a charge nurse who would cheer him on as he walked laps around the hospital floor. He even got a laugh out of a no-nonsense clinical partner when he suggested she get a tattoo of a Disney character on her lanyard.

 

After just over a week in the hospital, Justin was discharged. We returned for a follow-up visit and received news about his diagnosis. The pathology report revealed that the tumor is a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), an uncommon type of gastrointestinal cancer.

 

This diagnosis came as a shock given Justin's history of good health and lack of symptoms. Even with this unfortunate diagnosis, Justin's spirit remains unbroken, and his mental and physical strength have been extraordinary. We are confident that with cutting-edge medical treatment and the continuous support of our family and friends, Justin will overcome this.

 

Currently, additional testing is being done to create a precise treatment plan. UC San Diego is the regional leader in the treatment of GIST cancer, and we are awaiting an appointment there to discuss optimal treatment.

 

After Justin’s diagnosis, I decided to make this website to connect, not with strangers, but with the vast network of people who know and love Justin. As his younger sister, I am in awe of his infectious spirit, artistic talent, sense of humor and fashion, hustle mentality, and loyalty to those he loves.

 

Any money raised on this site will go toward helping Justin with his expenses so that he can focus solely on his recovery and healing. Thank you so much for donating whatever you are able--no amount is too small.

 

With gratitude,

 

Emily Niklaus Davis