On February 28, Jimmy died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. His engaging smile, wit, determination, and compassion for others is missed and treasured by all who knew him. His courage and grace under pressure were unmatched and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others suffering from this disease is a legacy that we will strive to honor and continue through our 5th Annual event being held on August 31, 2024, in Lake Arrowhead, open to the Lake Arrowhead community and beyond.
James Baron Sanders
(March 24, 1956 - February 28, 2024)
Jimmy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Papillary Thyroid Cancer in 2014. His cancer metastasized throughout his lungs, and by 2018, he had undergone three treatments of Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) to arrest the growth of the tumors. He underwent an unprecedented 4th round of RAI in 2020 and it was that decision where Jimmy decided to focus his energy on gaining strength by swimming. It also prompted his thoughts toward finding a way to fund research to help his team of doctors help others who are battling this rare form of metastasized papillary thyroid cancer being fully aware his own cancer would not be cured. Being a competitive swimmer in his youth and a member of the Lake Arrowhead community for decades, he approached the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA), which granted his request to swim across the lake in 2020, and JIMMY SWIMS was born.
In November of 2021, Jimmy’s lower left lung was removed due to a tumor that had grown to 10cm (approximately 4 inches). The operation also involved part of his diaphragm. After that, Jimmy found out that RAI was no longer a treatment option for him, and through genetic testing, a specific form or oral chemotherapy was found. He continued that course of treatment for more than 16 months. He initially saw some shrinkage of his tumors, but yet another tumor was found that resisted the chemotherapy. That tumor was treated with targeted radiation. Both of these treatments came with some severe and lasting side effects affecting his lung function. He still found that swimming helped his mind deal with the emotional pressures and helped his body strengthen.
In August of 2023, Jimmy was diagnosed with a brain tumor and started treatment just one week prior to our JIMMY SWIMS event. He was determined to be there for all those that had come to join us, and found the strength to swim across the lake and back one last time. He was inspired by those that supported him and they, in turn, were inspired by his own courage. He faced his disease with a determination to learn all there was to know and never complained or lost his sense of humor which made the last 6 months of his life more difficult to navigate as it stripped away his ability to enjoy his friends and family, and also the ability to care for himself. He showed grace and grit throughout his treatments and various diagnoses and remained steadfast in his desire to raise awareness and funds toward cancer research. He wanted to find peace at home and that is what we gave him...along with the promise to continue to help others through JIMMY SWIMS.
Our first swim in 2020 was a solo venture based on Jimmy’s desire to push himself physically and accomplish a goal to do some good for others. Our 2021 swim was opened to the Lake Arrowhead Community, where we had a couple dozen people join in. In 2022, more that 80 people participated in the event which included swimmers, paddle boarders, and kayakers. In 2023, more than 100 people came out (in inclement weather) for our common goal...to fight cancer. We are humbled and grateful for the experiences we’ve been able to share with everyone and are grateful for the stories shared of loved ones lost or struggling with cancer.
The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation has been an incredible partner in helping us direct funds raised to fund research toward new therapies. In conjunction with funds being used directly for cancer research, they also raise and direct funds to provide seed grants towards the work of promising young cancer researchers. That seed money is crucial in turning discoveries made in the lab into actual treatment. Monies needed for the Seed Grant Program can be smaller amounts that what you would typically expect in research and, therefore, every dollar raised can be of benefit. As many cancer patients know, treatment options require faith in their doctors, faith in the research behind the treatment options presented, and faith in future discoveries. Your tax-deductible gift will be directed through the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation to Dr. Deborah Wong and Dr. Christiaan Schiepers for their research of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and other head and neck cancers.
We are forever grateful for the support of family, friends, and our community and the care Jimmy received from Drs. Christiaan Schiepers, Robert Ross, Martin Auerbach, Deborah Wong, Monica Plesa, Ian Yip, Marcella Press, James Wilson, David Yao, Coleen Channick, Frank Hao, and Robert McKenna.