BTN News: John and Ali Shadock’s love story began in a seemingly ordinary setting—a furniture store in Ikea—yet their journey together would soon face an extraordinary challenge. Just a few years into their marriage, in the spring of 2019, John, then a vibrant 35-year-old, began to suffer from severe headaches. Initially dismissed as migraines, these headaches would soon reveal a much darker truth, turning their lives upside down. As the headaches worsened, the couple’s concern grew. After nights filled with ice packs and sleepless worry, they decided it was time to see a doctor. The results were devastating: John had a large brain tumor. This marked the beginning of an uphill battle that would not only test the limits of John’s health but also the strength of their bond. Despite being told he had only months to live, John’s fight against one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer—glioblastoma—has stretched into years, a testament to the power of hope, love, and cutting-edge medical science.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and often fatal brain cancer that can strike anyone at any age, although it is more common in older adults. Its causes remain largely unknown, with no clear environmental or genetic links identified. The initial symptoms, such as persistent headaches, can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions, making early diagnosis challenging. For John, the diagnosis came after a brain scan at a Kansas City imaging center. While other patients quickly left after their scans, John and Ali were asked to stay, an ominous sign of the devastating news to come.
Within just five days of his diagnosis, John was on an operating table, undergoing his first brain surgery. The procedure was followed by a biopsy, which confirmed the worst: John had glioblastoma. The National Brain Tumor Society describes glioblastoma as one of the most complex and lethal forms of cancer, often referred to as “the terminator.” Standard treatment typically begins with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. However, these treatments generally only extend life by a few months for most patients.
Despite the grim prognosis, John underwent a second brain surgery in July 2019, this time while awake. This allowed the surgeons to map critical areas of his brain, enabling a safer and more precise removal of the tumor. Even with these interventions, the outlook remained bleak. Doctors told John he had just six months to a year to live. But John’s story took a remarkable turn—against all odds, he has now survived more than five years since his diagnosis. His case is nothing short of extraordinary, according to Dr. Peter Forsyth, head of neuro-oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Forsyth believes that there may be something unique about John’s biology that has helped him fight off the cancer longer than expected.
A key element in John’s extended survival has been his participation in clinical trials at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and later at the Moffitt Cancer Center. These trials have included innovative immunotherapy approaches, one of which involved injecting a modified polio virus directly into his brain tumor. The virus triggered an inflammatory response, which in turn activated John’s immune system to attack the cancer cells more effectively.
Throughout this grueling journey, John has credited much of his resilience to the unwavering support of his wife, Ali. Her positivity and strength have been a constant source of motivation for John. “Without a doubt, it’s Ali’s positive attitude,” John says, acknowledging her crucial role in his fight. “She is amazing.”
In the wake of John’s diagnosis, Ali sought solace and strength at the Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas, a glass chapel where she prayed for the courage to face the challenges ahead. Her proactive approach and trust in her instincts have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of John’s condition. The couple now shares their journey on Instagram, under the motto “Strong All The Time,” offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar battles.
Physically, John continues to feel well, although he does experience short-term memory loss. He has had to stop working for medical reasons and no longer drives, adding to the financial strain the couple faces. Ali’s job, which provides good health insurance, has been a lifeline as they cope with the high costs of medical care and the need for a caregiver for John. Despite the mounting medical debt, the couple remains grateful for the life they continue to share. As Ali poignantly states, “It’s not a death sentence.”
In the face of a diagnosis that typically leaves little room for hope, John and Ali Shadock have chosen to defy the odds. Their story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, love, determination, and the advancements of modern medicine can work together to create extraordinary outcomes.
