Facing Mortality, Finding Strength
Jonathan Pascual knew the clock was ticking. It wasn't just the race clock pushing him at the 2024 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. It was his own mortality, a constant companion ever since his diagnosis with stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
A Brush with Death, a Philosophy for Life
This wasn't Pascual's first encounter with mortality. A brain tumor removal in 2007 led him to stoicism, a philosophy emphasizing virtue and living a purposeful life. This experience became a cornerstone for Pascual as he faced his new battle.
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| Jonathan Pascual / Instagram |
Cancer as a New Job
Armed with stoicism and a thirst for knowledge, Pascual devoured everything he could about his disease. He embraced this fight as a new "job", one requiring dedication to exercise, rest, nutrition, and a strong support system. This holistic approach, combined with his unwavering spirit, allowed him to live a meaningful and active life for the next two years.
Setbacks and Resilience
Pascual, a seasoned athlete with 15 Ironman finishes under his belt, was in the midst of training when the cancer's symptoms began to manifest in 2021. Breathlessness, facial swelling, and fainting episodes became his new reality.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Pascual's fighting spirit wouldn't be quelled. He refused to slow down, even when a cancer-related fracture required surgery on his back. Just a month later, he was running again. Trail runs followed by the end of the year, a testament to his unwavering resilience.
Acceptance and Letting Go
Pascual understood that the athlete he once was was gone. He learned to "let go" of his former strength and speed, focusing on what he could still achieve. He embraced the days he needed rest and celebrated small victories like a one-mile run.
Support Makes the Difference
Pascual credits his incredibly supportive wife, Monette, as a crucial part of his journey. Her unwavering encouragement bolstered his spirit during his most challenging moments.
Kona: A Dream Realized, But Not Without Challenges
Kona was a culmination of everything Pascual had fought for. Yet, even here, challenges arose. A misplaced nutrition bag forced him to scrounge for supplies at an aid station, costing him precious time. Then, a fellow athlete's bike crash prompted his medical training to kick in. He dismounted to assist the injured participant, sacrificing time but acting on his core values.
Finishing Strong, Running for More Than Himself
Despite the setbacks, Pascual pushed through the run, maintaining a steady pace. He crossed the finish line at 11:45 pm, exceeding the cutoff comfortably. His final time of 16 hours and 12 minutes was his slowest ever, but it was his most meaningful finish.
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Inspiration Ignited
Pascual's story resonated deeply within the triathlon community. The Ironman organization's social media post detailing his achievement and battle with cancer went viral. For Pascual, this wasn't just about him. He ran for those who lost their fight with cancer, for those still battling, and for the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Living with Purpose Until the End
Pascual's journey doesn't end here. He plans to continue living life to the fullest for as long as his body allows. He embraces "Ars Moriendi," the art of dying, aiming to spend his remaining time with purpose, love, and care.
Jonathan Pascual's story is not just about defying odds in an athletic competition. It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to find strength in the face of adversity, to live with grace and gratitude, and to leave a lasting impact not through words, but through the time spent with loved ones.
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