Stage 4 Mediastinal Paraganglioma Can’t Stop Jonathan from Living His Life
Jonathan has stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare neuroendocrine cancer. His experience is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of living fully, even with metastatic cancer. A dedicated lung transplant nurse practitioner, devoted husband, and proud father, he never let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he’s turned it into a mission to inspire, educate, and give back.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
In 2021, while training for the Ironman World Championships, Jonathan started experiencing troubling symptoms — shortness of breath, facial swelling, and dizzy spells. As an experienced healthcare professional, he suspected something serious. A trip to the emergency room confirmed his fears: stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare cancer that had already spread throughout his body.
But Jonathan didn’t crumble under the weight of his diagnosis. Instead, he approached it with the mindset of a clinician and an athlete — problem-solving, strategizing, and pushing forward. His stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma treatment plan included radiation to shrink the primary tumor near his heart, targeted therapy to slow the cancer’s spread, and surgeries to stabilize his spine after painful fractures. Despite the challenges, he remained active, racing in marathons and triathlons and even completing the Ironman World Championship in 2023, an achievement that proved that stage 4 cancer is not a death sentence.
Jonathan refuses to let stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma dictate his life. He returned to his work in lung transplantation, finding deeper connections with his patients who also face mortality. His focus on sports helps him stay mentally strong in the face of his challenges. He also started giving back by fundraising for cancer patients and their families, hosting JP’s Backyard Ultra, an annual ultra-marathon that has raised thousands for those in need.
Through it all, Jonathan has embraced gratitude, acceptance, and purpose. His message is clear: cancer is not the end — it’s a call to live with intention, advocate for oneself, and find ways to give back. For him, being a “force for good” starts with kindness to oneself and extends to uplifting others. His story is not just about surviving but about thriving, making an impact, and redefining what it means to live with cancer.
Watch the video to learn from Jonathan about:
- How he crossed the Ironman finish line after his stage 4 diagnosis.
- Why he says stage 4 cancer is not a death sentence.
- How he turned a rare cancer diagnosis into a mission to help others.
- From marathons to fundraising, how he’s proving life doesn’t stop at stage 4.
- Name:
- Jonathan P.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 47
- Diagnosis:
- Mediastinal Paraganglioma
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Facial and neck swelling
- Vein distension
- Dizziness and fainting
- Blacking out after standing up
- Treatments:
- Radiation: external beam radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery: cement injection for spinal stabilization
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
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