Meet Wieslaw
Wieslaw, a 75-year-old from The Villages, Florida, was diagnosed with Stage 2A colon cancer in 2022 and early-stage prostate cancer in 2023. He found himself overwhelmed by the volume of information and decisions to be made upon receiving his diagnosis. “I’ve practiced medicine for 45 years in four different specialties. Even with my profound medical experience, I had a lot of trouble navigating this on my own without multi-layered professional support.”
“I know how to be a doctor, but I needed help becoming an educated patient who was equipped to partner with healthcare providers effectively and safely.”
How Jasper helped
Wieslaw found his clinical interactions to be cold and lacking in compassion, and didn't feel that his team of doctors was equipped to help him heal holistically. He came to Jasper seeking specific expertise in cancer that would also allow him to process his emotions and effectively advocate for himself with his clinical team, and was ultimately matched with Aaryn:
“I met Aaryn when I was desperate. I had interviewed two or three therapists, but they had no training in oncology. I searched online and found Jasper. My first conversation with Aaryn felt like chatting with a friend over coffee, which was so refreshing. I was so beaten up by my diagnosis and interactions with the healthcare system by that point. After our first conversation, I felt like I could breathe again, like I could trust myself again, like I was capable of making my own decisions.”
Wieslaw says that the safe, healing space provided by his Jasper counselor, Aaryn, has allowed him to reframe the story of suffering with cancer into one of healing with cancer.
“There’s so much chaos in navigating cancer—so much unpredictability. Aaryn offers me stability and routine every week. I have friends and some family who support me, but the professional interaction with Aaryn is unique: it’s balanced, compassionate, resourceful, and empowering.”
Move forward confidently with support from Jasper
Compassionate care to help you feel more like yourself
Guidance to help you navigate uncertainty
A dedicated counselor with expertise in cancer care
Little to no cost, 1-on-1 virtual support at your fingertips
“For the first time since my cancer diagnosis, I feel encouraged and inspired, heard and hopeful.”