Dr. Will Flanary

Dr. Will Flanary was in his 4th year of medical school in 2012 when he woke up with a lump the size of a testicle on his testicle. He knew enough about medicine at that point to know that testicles don't typically multiply and a doctor confirmed his suspicion shortly thereafter– testicular cancer. It was a painful experience for Flanary to go from feeling like an invincible 25 year old to a cancer patient dependent on hormone therapy to feel normal and facing the possibility that he might be done having kids.

As he progressed through endless treatments, CT scans, injections, doctors appointments, and blood draws, Flanary started to tell jokes again. At the time of his diagnosis he hadn't done stand up in 2 years. He initially got involved in comedy as a high schooler telling horrible jokes and getting very little positive feedback. He improved during college and med school, and was eventually good enough to make a little beer money. Unfortunately, as his schedule became increasingly packed and med school turned into residency with a wife and two kids, Flanary no longer had time for late night comedy spots. He found a medical satire blog called Gomerblog, which provided a creative outlet to fill the void that stand-up comedy had left. Comedy writing has helped sustain him over the last few years, even as cancer reared its ugly head again requiring more surgery and hormone therapy.

After his second bout with cancer, Flanary discovered First Descents, a non-profit that brings young adults affected by cancer together during a shared outdoor adventure experience. He needed to see and hear other people his age struggling with cancer. The First Descents program was a lifeline for him. It was a way to put his disease in perspective and realize he was not alone in his fight. The week he spent in Hood River kayaking with 15 other remarkable young cancer survivors gave Flanary strength emotionally and physically.

Since his First Descents program in 2017, Flanary has spent time raising money and awareness for this incredible program. So far, with the help of his social media followers, he has helped raise over $50,000 for First Descents.