Jonathan Hutton

Writer, paraglider pilot, rare cancer survivor

I knew I wanted to learn how to fly after dabbling in skydiving 13 some years ago. The freedom of flying a canopy - being suspended in the air, seeing the world from a completely different perspective - changed something in me.

In a similar way, living through a decade with recurrent and rare head/neck cancer has galvanized me to see life, work, priorities through a new lens. I had no idea I was even capable of writing a book, but I’ve come to understand that sitting with adversity, reflecting on the challenges in your life, that there’s healing to be found there. Healing - through writing, sharing, challenging yourself to do that big, improbable thing now - is something you can find, even if your disease has no cure. Life is short, so learn how to fly, whatever ‘flying’ is for you.

I have learned so much about what goes into writing a book as a first-time author, what it’s like to hire and work with an editor, how the whole process will change you. I believe these stories will be useful to aspiring authors, people who are trying to find their voice, but uncertain on how to proceed.

I am deeply fortunate to still be alive, having navigated not only rare, but life altering side effects from cancer treatment - unexpected outcomes that required reconstructive surgery. I tell many of these stories in the book, and speak freely about them in general, because I know just how unmooring having your body altered in this way can be. I’ve arrived at this place where I know more about free flap reconstructions than most, which is strange, but also inspiring; I am inspired by the providers who do this work, who understand the trade-offs and difficult recoveries their patients face.

I’ve met a lot of cancer survivors over the years, people who have suffered, some who found cures, some who are still looking for healing and meaning amidst hardship. In our 4,000 weeks alive, which could very well be less, we have so many choices and pathways, so much vying for our attention. The stories we tell, the ones we listen to, our ability to be present, is a gift.

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