In late 2020, Curtis Jackson felt on top of the world, fit, energetic, and healthier than ever. As a father of three, he decided to update his life insurance policy to secure his family’s future. He went in for a routine physical, expecting a clean bill of health. But a phone call changed everything.

A medical professional reviewing his test results raised a red flag. Although Jackson had marked that he didn’t drink alcohol, his liver results looked like those of a heavy drinker. Alarmed, he went to his doctor for further testing.

A Rare Diagnosis

Initially, doctors suspected a gallbladder issue. Jackson underwent surgery to remove it. But during the operation, they discovered something far more serious: a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This progressive condition damages the liver’s bile ducts and often leads to liver failure. Worse, those with PSC carry a risk of developing a rare and deadly cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.

Determined to stay ahead of the disease, Jackson began regular scans and blood tests at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. For a while, things seemed under control, until October 2024, when a concerned technician’s reaction hinted at bad news.

The Silent Killer

Weeks later, Jackson received confirmation: he had cholangiocarcinoma, a fast-spreading bile duct cancer often diagnosed too late for treatment. According to experts, only about 1 in 100,000 people are diagnosed with it in the U.S., and survival rates are grim, less than 10% make it beyond five years.

Thankfully, doctors had caught Jackson’s cancer early. That gave him a slim but vital opportunity: a shot at a cure through a liver transplant. But first, he had to undergo weeks of chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the cancer and make him eligible for surgery.

The Battle Begins

Jackson described the treatment phase as both intense and exhausting. He lost 30 pounds, spent most of his time at the Mayo Clinic, and continued to work from his car between appointments. Despite everything, he held on to hope, even encouraging his wife to start their long-delayed kitchen remodel.

Then came the news they’d been praying for, a liver was available. On March 6, he underwent a four-hour transplant surgery. Six days later, he was released from the hospital. Post-surgery tests brought relief: the cancer was gone.

A New Outlook on Life

Today, Jackson is focusing on recovery and family time. Though he still faces physical limitations, like avoiding heavy lifting and managing fatigue, his life is nearly back to normal. He’s regained most of the weight and energy he lost and is already planning family trips, including a vacation to North Carolina.

Grateful for his second chance, Jackson now wants to advocate for organ donation. “I'm here because of these things,” he says. “I want to help more people understand how important donation is.”

From a routine life insurance check to surviving a rare cancer, Curtis Jackson’s journey is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change, and how hope, early detection, and the gift of organ donation can make all the difference.