A grandfather from Wallington has shared how he overcame depression after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Jon Organ, 58, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the voice box and thyroid in January 2023.
His only symptom was a hoarse voice.
This led to him undergoing 10 hours of surgery to remove his voice box, thyroid, and 84 lymph nodes at St George’s Hospital, Tooting.
(Image: Jon Organ)
He then had six weeks of radio and chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden, Sutton.
As a result, Jon had to learn how to speak, breathe, and swallow again, with the help of a valve inserted between his oesophagus and trachea, and a permanent stoma in his neck.
Jon, who was told he had just four to six months to live without treatment, said: “Though a massive journey lay ahead, I was determined to overcome as I had a family that needed me.”
With a lack of support groups available, Jon, alongside a friend, started their own group.
Named ‘Life After Lary’, the group, which operates on Facebook and Instagram, as well as having its own website, now boasts 1,000 members.
Members of the group help each other through the difficulties of living life after a laryngectomy.
Jon, who has four children and 11 grandchildren, also visits patients across the country and at St George’s, helping them adjust to their new way of life.
However, the challenges didn’t stop there.
Jon said: “No voice is having your identity removed, no swallow means no eating out.
“I have been left deaf and have no sense of smell, and have mobility issues.
“These big changes all take their toll on our minds.
“I had to find a way to help myself overcome depression that was bringing me down.”
Seeking help, Jon reached out to Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden, Sutton, where he was introduced to art therapy as a form of meditation.
Although he had never painted before, Mr Organ gave it a try, and it has since become a vital tool in managing his depression.
He now paints for friends, family, and himself.
(Image: Jon Organ)
Speaking about the impact painting has had on his life, Jon said: “It has given me so much and kept my depression at bay.”
Today, Jon is showing no evidence of the disease, although he acknowledges his outlook in terms of years remains uncertain.
He said: “Every single day of the last two years has been a challenge, and I do not expect that to change.
“From being a busy, active man to sleeping in a hospital bed, breathing, eating, walking, swallowing, and talking are all things that no longer come naturally.
“Loving, hugging, laughing are thankfully some things that still do.”
Jon expressed gratitude towards his support network, including his family, the team at St George’s Tooting, his speech and language team, The Royal Marsden team, and the members of Life After Lary.
He added: “Without them being my biggest cheerleaders and by my side, I would not be here today and cannot thank them enough.
“Also, a massive thanks go to my paint brushes who, along with my family and Life After Lary, have given me a purpose in life again.”