'It would have been too late:' Metro father says genetic testing saved his life

A metro father is preparing for a life-saving surgery thanks to genetic testing.

The family is sharing his story to encourage others to take charge of their health

Jason McClure is a dedicated father to two young girls. He draws inspiration from his father, who passed away when he was 4 years old from gastric cancer.

“My dad was very young when he passed away from it and I’m getting around his age,” Jason said.

Now 31 and married to his wife, Logen McClure, Jason decided to take charge of his story.

“My mom found out about the genetic testing back in probably 2018,” Jason said.

Several of his relatives had a mutation in the CDH1 gene making them more susceptible to the cancer his father passed away from.

Jason's test also came back positive for the CDH1 gene mutation, meaning Jason had a 50-70% chance of developing stomach cancer.

“The only way to eradicate the, the chance of getting it is to get a total gastrectomy,” Jason said.

This means doctors will do surgery to completely remove Jason's stomach, altering his diet and nutrient intake for the rest of his life.

“It's going to be a whole lifestyle change for our family,” Logen said.

But on Christmas Day, a stage 1 stomach cancer diagnosis confirmed the total gastrectomy would be worth it.

“It could have taken us months to years to find this cancer diagnosis. And we would have. It would have been too late,” Logen said.

The family says genetic testing saved them by allowing Jason to grow old with his wife and watch their kids grow up.

“Being here today for my kids and my family, that's the biggest thing,” Jason said.

The family will travel to Houston next month for his total gastrectomy and after that, he will be cancer-free.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the McClures cover travel costs and other expenses. If you’d like to help, CLICK HERE.