David Thau’s Journey with Colon Cancer: From Patient to Advocate

What motivated David Thau to become one of the top fundraisers?

David Thau is recognized as a prominent fundraiser associated with the Boston Marathon, particularly through his involvement in the Jimmy Fund Walk. He has made significant contributions to raising awareness and funds for cancer research, specifically supporting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Thau was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 34, which motivated him to actively participate in fundraising efforts.

In 2021, Thau emerged as the top fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Walk, raising over $127,000. He leads a team called Beyond CRC, which focuses on raising awareness and funds for the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. His personal experience with cancer has fueled his commitment to philanthropy and advocacy within the cancer community.

On June, 2019, at the age of 34, David Thau was diagnosed with stage 3C colon cancer at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC.

A week after his diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor. After his surgery, he underwent a course of chemotherapy at the Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Under the leadership of Dr. Kimmie Ng, the center provided a holistic approach to treatment tailored for young patients like him, making his twelve rounds of chemotherapy manageable.

“My diagnosis came as a total shock to me, but maybe it shouldn’t have.”

He received comprehensive support, including access to social workers, genetic testing, and a responsive care team.

“I just never thought I would be one of Dana-Farber’s patients. Knowing everything I knew about Dana-Farber, deciding to have my treatment there, as part of the new Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Center, was a no brainer, and my experience could not have been better.” 

He also participated in research studies aimed at understanding the rising rates of colon cancer among young people.

Inspired by his experience, he launched a fundraising page to support the Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. Despite being a 35-year-old cancer patient, he feels fortunate for early detection, his supportive wife, and the exceptional care he received. He invites others to donate to this important cause, noting that contributions will be matched up to $20,000 thanks to generous grants.

Dana-Farber News:

“‘I’m hugely lucky that it got caught when it did and that I was able to have access to the very best care in the world at Dana – Farber Cancer Center,’ said David Thau, a top fundraiser of the Boston Marathon, The Jimmy Fund Walk, on Boston25.”

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