In 2019, Ezara McLaurin noticed what he thought was a simple blemish on his chest. Within eight months, it grew to the size of a golf ball. Concerned but not yet alarmed, he kept an eye on it, until his sister encouraged their mom to take a closer look. Together, they decided it was time to see a dermatologist.
In February 2020, the dermatologist suspected a tumor and referred Ezara to Levine Cancer Institute for a biopsy. Soon after the diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) was confirmed. By March, Ezara was under the care of a cancer specialist, and in April he underwent two surgeries to remove tumors from his chest and lower back. Surgeons used a skin graft from his thigh to close the area, and he followed up with three months of radiation to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread.
Adding to the weight of his diagnosis, the world was simultaneously facing the COVID-19 pandemic. For Ezara, this meant facing appointments and treatments without the physical presence of his loved ones. Still, he remained positive.
“I had a deep intuition that I would get through everything,” he reflects.
His family and friends supported him however they could, even from a distance, and their encouragement helped fuel his strength. This year, Ezara celebrates five years cancer free!
The journey has left physical scars, but rather than letting them hold him back, Ezara has embraced them. At first, he was self-conscious—especially after losing his right nipple and experiencing skin darkening from radiation, but now his perspective has shifted. His scars became a symbol of survival and motivation.
“When I look in the mirror, that’s my reminder,” he says. “My battle scars remind me of the strength and courage it took to get through this.”
Ezara’s passion for health and fitness has only grown since his diagnosis. A graduate of UNC Charlotte with a degree in film, he has also pursued bodyweight training, running, and rock climbing. Now, he’s training to become a personal trainer and working with a coach to master the challenging planche movement. He hopes to use both his fitness journey and his sarcoma experience to inspire others, showing them that they, too, can overcome difficult challenges.
Last year, Ezara’s oncologist, Dr. Jagosky, introduced him to the Sarcoma Stomp. Attending with his family, he discovered the Paula Takacs Foundation community and felt an immediate connection. Looking back on his journey, Ezara leaves this advice:
“We don’t know how strong we are until we go through a traumatic experience. Cancer for me was that experience. I discovered a deep strength within myself I never knew existed—and I want others to know that they can find that same strength too.”
