We’re super stoked to report that according to a memo sent out to Burton employees this week Jake Burton’s “cancer is toast.” Jake says:
It appears that my cancer is toast. It’s scans and observation from here forward. There is still the possibility of surgery or some radiation down the road, but it will be clean-up in nature and I’m not too stressed about it. As my oncologist Steven Ades said, “Jake, you get your diploma”. . . As I transition from being a patient to being a survivor, I move on with enormous respect for both cancer (‘The Emperor of Diseases’) and chemotherapy (how can something so beneficial be so simultaneously harmful).
Jake goes on to thank Donna, his three boys George, Timi, and Taylor and the entire Burton family. We knew he’d power through this flat spot and now we’re wishing him prolonged health. Follow the jump for the complete memo.To: All Burton
From: Jake
Re: … and finally some good news
It appears that my cancer is toast. It’s scans and observation from here forward. There is still the possibility of surgery or some radiation down the road, but it will be clean-up in nature and I’m not too stressed about it. As my oncologist Steven Ades said, “Jake, you get your diploma”.
As I transition from being a patient to being a survivor, I move on with enormous respect for both cancer (‘The Emperor of Diseases’) and chemotherapy (how can something so beneficial be so simultaneously harmful).
I have also grown to appreciate those around me more than ever. From my soul mate Donna (I can’t even start) to my three boys: George came home from a semester off in Chile to help out for 3 months (he left as one of my best friends) and Timi and Taylor who went out of their way on a valuable vacation powder day to spend my last day of chemo with me passing out cupcakes to the whole clinic. Our extended families and friends also went out of their way to do anything possible to make life easier for us.
The Burton family and the entire board sports industry could not have been cooler about the whole ordeal. Burton has so much momentum I wonder if they really need me. The Senior Management Team stepped up to the plate big time. Assistants Harriet, Roberta and Katie ran my life without me. I owe so many people so much.
Looking ahead I am pretty much broken. While I am on the mend, I have a lot of healing to do. I take great pride and happiness in my ability to ride 100 days a year and surf a bunch too. I am so far from that level right now it’s embarrassing, but when I look at role models like Lance Armstrong, I know I have no excuses.
See you on the hill, in the water or at some trade show somewhere.
Jake
Hells yeah man, got to give a shout to Jake. You can like him or not – but he’s made more turns than you and loves the sport just as much as you do. And, agree with his ways & means or not, he’s probably got more in common with your goals and your dreams for the sport than you imagine. Y’all can talk smack about the company if that’s your feelings, we all have, but if you go to Denver this week, wait your turn, say thanks. It’s easy, people!
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