Tim McGrath’s story is one of strength and determination. In 2014, the Michigan native was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma—a rare and aggressive cancer—after months of severe jaw pain. Hoping to avoid invasive procedures, Tim turned to alternative treatments like clean eating and energy therapy. But the tumor kept growing.

By 2015, he needed a tracheotomy and a feeding tube, and chemo had little effect. Radiation helped shrink the tumor just enough for surgery. In October of that year, Tim underwent a grueling 30-hour procedure. When he woke up, he had lost half of his face—his jaw, eye, and ear were gone.

Initial attempts to reconstruct his face failed, as his body rejected the implants. But in 2022, Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate gave Tim a second chance, using tissue from his leg, arm, and forehead in a series of five complex surgeries. Today, Tim is cancer-free and relearning how to speak, eat, and smile.

“I’ve realized I’m more than how I look,” Tim says. “If sharing my journey helps even one person, then it’s worth it.”

His resilience reminds us to value our health and the simple joys we often take for granted.