Help Colin Jackson Battle Bone Cancer

*Our Colin needs our help and support urgently and immediately.  This is not a cut to the chase story, so please read all about the journey of this incredible man, and what has led up to his diagnosis and need of our support.  Thank you!*


Colin Jackson was born a fighter.  He was born with severe talipes in both feet and his parents were told that he would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, due to the severe birth defect.   Colin underwent grueling operations as a baby and proved the doctors all wrong - he did walk-  and eventually grew up to complete 9 full marathons following an incredible 107 lb weight loss.  

Colin fights for others in need - he has used his races to raise money for prominent charitable organizations.  He has run in support of Center for Community Solutions and the Make a Wish Foundation, raising thousands of dollars to help people dealing with difficult life challenges. 

At the 2017 Rock n' Roll Arizona half marathon, Colin was cheering on competitors near the finish line as a spectator.   A 73 year old man participating in the race tripped over a stroller and fell in front of Colin.  Without hesitation, Colin jumped over the railing, and with the help of another runner, pulled the man up and got him to the finish line.   The runner, John, had sustained cuts on his head which required stitches from his fall - but with Colin's encouragement and support, he was able to finish and receive his medal (and medical attention!)  In the true spirit of runners, Colin and John are now friends who stay in contact.  Their story received so much attention, it was featured on news stations across the world, and was shared by thousands on social media platforms.  This is just one of many examples in which Colin is always willing to help when needed, no matter what.

In 2018, Colin set a goal to run 3 marathons at the "back of the pack" -  his idea behind this was to finish last in order to help and encourage fellow runners who needed support to cross the finish line.  Colin did finish last in 2 races and helped countless people fulfill their dreams of becoming marathoners - he ran Rock n' Roll Arizona and Rock n' Roll San Diego not for himself,  but to help others succeed.   Colin had his focus on marathon #3 to complete his goal for 2018, but a tragic event derailed his plans. 

On June 11, 2018, a week after finishing last at the Rock n' Roll marathon in his hometown of San Diego, Colin was doing what he did most evenings - outreach and support of the vast homeless population in Pacific Beach.  While providing this care and assistance for people in need, Colin was randomly and viciously attacked by a person who to this day is still not in custody to pay for their crimes.  Colin was hit in the back of the head with a skateboard, and sustained an open skull fracture.  While trying to stand up to defend himself, Colin fell and severely broke his ankle.  Colin was very lucky to be alive after this attack, and was told that if the skateboard had struck his head mere millimeters away, he would not be alive today.  

Colin had surgery to reconstruct his ankle and staples placed in his skull.   Even in excruciating pain and with limited mobility, Colin fought and instead of self pity, poured his heart and soul into his photography business,  demonstrating nothing but pure positivity and accomplishing his dream of being a professional photographer. 

In June 2019 as Colin was still experiencing severe pain in his leg he had a further surgery to remove the plate and the screws, as the Dr said they were pressing on a nerve and this should help eliminate the pain.

During the course of his recovery, Colin began to feel that something was not quite right.   He was having pain that was radiating down his leg from his hip.  Colin sought out medical attention countless times, as the problem only was getting worse - a "knot" was forming near his hip and not getting better - in fact, it just kept enlarging in size and the pain kept increasing, until Colin's days and nights were pure agony.  Colin visited his general physician, had multiple ER visits, and appointments with his orthopedic surgeon.  All assured him that his problem was related to the injury to his ankle.  Colin was referred to the chiropractor and physical therapy, and was told to rest. 

After several weeks of ever increasing agonizing pain that didn't allow him to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time, Colin was finally referred to a pain clinic.   At the pain clinic, a doctor recognized that the ever growing "knot" and Colin's level of pain were anything but normal.  A whirlwind of testing began - contrasted and uncontrasted scans, lower body scans, biopsies, and bloodwork.  After weeks of fear, Colin's worst case scenario came true and it finally had a name - Chrondrosarcoma - a form of bone cancer so very rare that only 400 patients are diagnosed per year in the US.  His tumor was assessed at grade 3 out of 4 - (grade 4 is fatal in nearly all cases).  His tumor is highly aggressive and growing rapidly.

Colin is still fighting - this time it is for his very life.  Even with his extremely limited mobility and extreme fatigue, he is still working daily as a professional photographer.  Colin walks only with the assistance of crutches, and is in danger of shattering his fragile hip and femur daily.  He must stop every few steps in order to give his exhausted body some rest, and is limited to walking only a few blocks per day.

On September 27th, 2019, Colin will undergo an extensive and extreme operation to remove the cancer from his body.  Chrondrosarcoma is unresponsive to radiation and chemotherapy.  The only solution to save his life is to remove the majority of his femur and hip completely, and replace them with artificial parts.  Colin will be hospitalized and then will have to undergo brutal physical therapy in order for him to be able to learn to walk again.   His recovery will take at least a year. 

As he is learning to walk again, and as a recovering cancer patient who can easily become ill due to a weakened immune system, Colin will not have the opportunity to work for some time.  Colin's life- saving cancer treatments are essential, but come at an astronomical expense.  Medical expenses, along with transport to and from appointments and living expenses  will for continue some time.  Colin has spent his life fighting for others and giving people the best of himself - PLEASE consider offering your support to help this extraordinary man to assist him as he is literally fighting for his life.