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'Cancer at 33 is very lonely' 'Cancer at 33 is very lonely'
(1 day later)
Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC NewsJane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News
Jason regularly posted video diariesJason regularly posted video diaries
"Jason Mark Boas, 33, 5' 8", 12 stone … cancer.""Jason Mark Boas, 33, 5' 8", 12 stone … cancer."
With those words, Jason Boas began a video blog that was to attract thousands of viewers.With those words, Jason Boas began a video blog that was to attract thousands of viewers.
Jason was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2007.Jason was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2007.
He quickly learned that it was one of the deadliest of all cancers, that the disease killed 97% of all those diagnosed within five years, and that it was extremely rare for someone of his age to be affected.He quickly learned that it was one of the deadliest of all cancers, that the disease killed 97% of all those diagnosed within five years, and that it was extremely rare for someone of his age to be affected.
Barry Boas talks about his son's legacy
But where others might withdraw if they found themselves in his position, Jason decided to post regular updates on the internet, so that friends and family could check on his progress.But where others might withdraw if they found themselves in his position, Jason decided to post regular updates on the internet, so that friends and family could check on his progress.
To know that people are going through the same thing - it would be a pick-me-up Jason Boas
His blogs display a remarkable combination of honesty, courage and humour.His blogs display a remarkable combination of honesty, courage and humour.
"Having cancer at 33 is a very lonely situation to be in," he said several weeks into his chemotherapy treatment."Having cancer at 33 is a very lonely situation to be in," he said several weeks into his chemotherapy treatment.
To know that people are going through the same thing - it would be a pick-me-up Jason Boas
"I've only found one other person suffering with cancer in my age group - it's not a young adults' illness.""I've only found one other person suffering with cancer in my age group - it's not a young adults' illness."
'A pick-me-up''A pick-me-up'
So Jason set about raising funds to set up a social networking site to bring together people of his age with cancer.So Jason set about raising funds to set up a social networking site to bring together people of his age with cancer.
He called it 'No Surrender', after a song by his favourite musician, Bruce Springsteen. To date, his efforts have raised almost £200,000, and his website has almost 100 members.He called it 'No Surrender', after a song by his favourite musician, Bruce Springsteen. To date, his efforts have raised almost £200,000, and his website has almost 100 members.
"We're treated the same as a 65, 75 or 85-year-old," he said."We're treated the same as a 65, 75 or 85-year-old," he said.
I'm going to see the bossI'm going to see the boss
"We're not the same. They've lived their lives; my career was just getting off the ground. My love-life has stopped. You're self conscious. My hair's thinning."We're not the same. They've lived their lives; my career was just getting off the ground. My love-life has stopped. You're self conscious. My hair's thinning.
"To know that people are going through the same thing - it would be a pick-me-up.""To know that people are going through the same thing - it would be a pick-me-up."
'I could lose it''I could lose it'
Jason describes every stage of his journey with cancer through his diaries.Jason describes every stage of his journey with cancer through his diaries.
At one stage, we see him in his hospital bed, having just had an operation to remove his tumour.At one stage, we see him in his hospital bed, having just had an operation to remove his tumour.
Barely able to speak, he croaks "It seems to have been a brilliant success; that they removed all the cancer from my body. "Barely able to speak, he croaks "It seems to have been a brilliant success; that they removed all the cancer from my body. "
Jason's family and friends supported his websiteJason's family and friends supported his website
But a few weeks later, as he waits for test results, he acknowledges his ongoing fears.But a few weeks later, as he waits for test results, he acknowledges his ongoing fears.
"Many people have emailed in saying 'I've got this far and I'm going to beat it'. I HAVE got this far, and the worrying thing is, I could lose it.""Many people have emailed in saying 'I've got this far and I'm going to beat it'. I HAVE got this far, and the worrying thing is, I could lose it."
As well as his darker moments, Jason displays his black sense of humour.As well as his darker moments, Jason displays his black sense of humour.
In one diary he holds up a letter he's been sent by Bruce Springsteen, inviting him backstage at a forthcoming concert.In one diary he holds up a letter he's been sent by Bruce Springsteen, inviting him backstage at a forthcoming concert.
"So, I'm going to see the boss," he says. "Cancer may pay.""So, I'm going to see the boss," he says. "Cancer may pay."
LegacyLegacy
One of his later video diaries shows Jason on a beach in Israel.One of his later video diaries shows Jason on a beach in Israel.
He describes how he's gone to be assessed for experimental treatment.He describes how he's gone to be assessed for experimental treatment.
Doctors have told him his cancer has returned, and that this is his only chance.Doctors have told him his cancer has returned, and that this is his only chance.
Jason's video blog
A week later, he's back at home in London, waiting for the treatment, and recording another blog.A week later, he's back at home in London, waiting for the treatment, and recording another blog.
"If anyone wants to come and say hello and wish me well, they're welcome," he says, "not necessarily say goodbye, as I'm sure I will be back.""If anyone wants to come and say hello and wish me well, they're welcome," he says, "not necessarily say goodbye, as I'm sure I will be back."
But that was his final blog. On November 11th, 2008, Jason Boas died. He was 34.But that was his final blog. On November 11th, 2008, Jason Boas died. He was 34.
Since then, the money has continued to come in and his site has attracted more members.Since then, the money has continued to come in and his site has attracted more members.
His family want to keep it running as a legacy of a young man who fought so hard to beat the deadliest of cancers, and lost.His family want to keep it running as a legacy of a young man who fought so hard to beat the deadliest of cancers, and lost.