JACKSONVILLE – For the Jaguars' Week 3 matchup against the Patriots presented by UF Health, we'll take a moment at the start of halftime to recognize four incredible individuals and their courageous journeys in the fight against cancer. Each individual has a unique and inspiring story, but the common thread is strength and resilience. Following the spotlight, fans are encouraged to participate in our "I Stand For" Moment to show support for these survivors and for everyone currently battling cancer.

Learn more about each survivor below:

Jess Thornton

Jess Thornton's story is one of resilience, hope and gratitude in the face of an unexpected stage 4 cancer diagnosis. A few months before her 40th birthday in July 2024, Jess underwent a routine breast MRI because of her family history of breast cancer. Although her breasts appeared clear, the scan unexpectedly revealed lesions on her liver. Further testing led to a diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to her liver and lymph nodes.

The diagnosis was especially shocking because Jess was otherwise healthy. She had a fulfilling job in billing and coding at UF Health and was raising her young daughter, whom she describes as her "bubbly miracle baby." At the same time she was processing her own diagnosis, Jess learned that her beloved Irish terrier, Danny Boy, had throat cancer, adding another emotional challenge to an already overwhelming period.

Jess's treatment involved intensive radiation, chemotherapy, surgeries, blood transfusions and frequent imaging and medical appointments. Despite the physical and emotional difficulties, she gradually developed an understanding that healing can mean finding strength in small moments of hope, gratitude and joy.

For Jess, healing is ultimately about recognizing the things that inspire hope and the moments for which she can be thankful. Her story demonstrates how resilience can come not from ignoring difficult circumstances, but from finding meaning, love and gratitude within them.

Larry Long

In 2023, Larry Long was on his way to bring his grandson to Disney for the first time when he received a diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

After exploring several treatment options and leaning on faith, he chose the team at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute to care for him.

Six weeks of proton radiation therapy and chemotherapy left him cancer‑free, and Larry now celebrates life with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He continues to make memories - vacationing in Napa, walking his daughters down the aisle at their weddings, and cherishing every moment.

Shane McIntosh

Shane McIntosh is an advocate who loves to tell his story to help other men in situations like his. Walked by the UF Health Cancer Connector at a football game and got tested. Ended up taking a flyer and decided to get his PSA checked on site.

Once his results came back, Shane got a call from a nurse and said it was 4.9 – elevated from 2.0. This prompted him to get checked by a community urologist and then received an MRI which uncovered a tumor the size of his thumb. He ultimately decided UF Health gave him a better opportunity to get treatment and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Joseph – who wanted to see him immediately.

Dr. Joseph gave Shane a few options for treatment, and it was determined that surgical intervention was the best treatment course. Dr. Joseph was able to schedule him right away for robotic-assisted prostatectomy. If he had waited, surgical intervention would not have helped, and Shane would likely not have lived.

Dr. Joseph was able to remove all the cancer. Now, Shane's PSA screenings are all coming back below zero, meaning cancer is undetectable. Da Vinci was used for the surgery.

Shane had to do physical therapy and was on special diet during recovery. Side effects lasted about six weeks when they normally last a year. This was because he stuck to the UF Health recovery plan.

Shane was impressed by UF Health's treatment – personalized and caring while being leading-edge. He said the first thing Dr. Joseph did was give him his cell phone number and said to call him anytime he needed anything. Dr. Joseph when over and above for his care.

Shane feels that men need to advocate for themselves and seek diagnostics and treatment if necessary. "Awareness is key. Don't hesitate," Shane says.

Shane and his wife were in the health insurance business for most of their careers, along with investing in real estate. Shane loves to play golf, snow ski, and walk. He and his wife also love to travel on cruises.

Shane has been involved in rotary and has been doing charity work for decades. He even opened an endowment for the Urology department to help residents.

Pam Reckner

Pam Reckner is a contract manager in Strategic Sourcing at UF Health Jacksonville, Team Captain of the Mammoglams, a world medalist Team USA Dragon Boat racer, and a dedicated breast cancer advocate. She is also deeply proud to serve as a UF Health Proton Alumni and Ambassador.

Her life took a profound turn when she went through a year-long journey at the height of the pandemic fighting Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer. Following her treatments—which included chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and proton therapy—she found intense healing and solidarity on the water.

She discovered dragon boating as a "floating support group," using the sport to rebuild her physical mobility and forge a deep community of survivors. She joined the Mammoglams, and has have proudly served as Team Captain since 2023.

At the heart of her busy life is her family; She is happily married to her husband, Jim, and they are blessed with four children and seven beloved grandchildren. She wants to inspire others by showing that we can move far beyond just surviving to truly thriving.

Every day, Pam and her teammates live by their powerful mottos: "together we battle, together we paddle" and "we won the battle, now let's paddle," dedicating their time to improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors through sport, outdoor adventure, and joyful, healthy, active living.