Receiving a cancer diagnosis is very often a shock. That news is especially stunning when you are 33 years old. Then imagine hearing that you have Stage IV colon cancer, and your probability of survival is five percent.

Six years ago, Paul Cox began bleeding internally. Surgeons at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics removed the upper portion of his colon. A biopsy showed the cancer had spread to his liver with two lesions already present and a third beginning to develop. Another surgical team removed the cancerous matter in Cox's liver. He then underwent a round of chemotherapy once a week for three months at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Not only did Cox survive Stage IV cancer, but he also changed his lifestyle for the best. He began walking for exercise, which led to running, and eventually he began participating in marathons.

Cox credits his survival due to the wonderful and effective care he received at UI Hospitals and Clinics. He said five percent of people survive what he went through, and he believes that a big part of his success is due to the excellent and exemplary care he received.

Cox now enjoys spending time with his wife, Paula, and their five-year-old son. He is a full time academic advisor at the University of Iowa, and he recently completed the graduate program in education.

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized as the leaders in developing new approaches to cancer prevention and cancer care, conducting leading-edge research and educating the public about cancer.

Paul Cox and his son

For more information:

Cedar Rapids Kernels

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center