Cancer Took My Eye, But It Could Not Silence Our Revolution

Yesterday, as I was being transported back to Memorial Sloan Kettering, I found myself gazing out over the Hudson River. Somehow, the river looked different this time. To be honest, everything did.

My heart was burdened by uncertainty. I was haunted by the fear of not yet knowing the pathology results. I feared that the cancer had spread beyond what had already been taken from me, that further treatment awaited, and that another chapter of suffering still lay ahead.

When we arrived at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I was welcomed by warm smiles from the medical staff. I smiled back, though behind that smile lived anxiety and uncertainty. I waited for an answer that would determine whether the cancer that had stolen my eye had also stolen my future.

After photographs were taken to document the devastation this disease had left upon my face, I was blessed by the warm greeting and firm handshake of Dr. David Della Rocca. He carefully examined the area where my eye once was and reassured me that I was healing beautifully.

Then came the moment.

He reviewed the pathology report and explained that I had Stage IV cancer. Yet, by the mercy of Allah, there had been no perineural invasion. There was no evidence that the cancer had metastasized beyond what had already been removed.

Then he uttered words I will never forget.

"You are cancer free."

I froze.

Not because of fear.

Not because I was overwhelmed by uncertainty.

I froze because gratitude flooded my soul.

For four years, I suffered. For four years, I endured pain, delays, and uncertainty. Yet Allah, in His infinite mercy, used the gifted hands of this compassionate physician to deliver me from that torment.

I wanted to embrace Dr. Della Rocca. I wanted to thank him with more than words. But the handcuffs and restraints that bound my body prevented me from doing so. Therefore, I thanked him the only way I could—with tears in my heart and praises upon my lips, glorifying Allah for His mercy and grace.

To Dr. Della Rocca and the extraordinary staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering, thank you.

Thank you for treating me like a human being.

Thank you for looking beyond the green uniform, beyond the shackles and restraints, and seeing a person in need of healing.

May Allah abundantly reward each and every one of you.

I also wish to express my gratitude to the correctional officers who tirelessly transported me to these appointments. While fulfilling their official duties, they treated me with dignity, compassion, and humanity. They recognized that I was more than a DIN number. I was a man fighting for his life.

Too often, good officers are overshadowed by the actions of others and go unnoticed. But if they should ever read these words, know that your kindness has not gone unseen.

The eyes of the One who blesses and rewards all goodness have witnessed your compassion.

Yesterday also happened to be my baby sister's birthday.

And what greater gift could I give her than these words:

"Pink Skin, I'm cancer free."

She fought beside me through tears, exhaustion, sleepless nights, and unimaginable pain. She carried burdens that few ever saw. She cried prayers when I was too weak to pray. She advocated when I was too weary to fight.

Allah heard her cries.

He heard our prayers.

And I love you, Pink Skin, with all my heart.

But make no mistake.

Cancer-free does not mean the fight is over.

No.

Our struggle—our war against the medical apartheid and medical genocide inflicted upon men and women throughout prisons and jails—must continue.

Across New York and throughout this nation, countless human beings are still being denied their constitutional right to adequate medical care.

And therefore—

Silence is not an option.

Complacency is not an option.

Compromise at the expense of human dignity is not an option.

Our battle must remain relentless.

Our faith must remain unwavering.

Our hope must remain without reservation.

And our convictions must never be corrupted by political expediency or devious concessions.

To everyone who has followed my journey, know this:

My team, alongside the Jay Act Advocacy & Legal Reform Initiative, will stop at nothing to transform pain into policy and suffering into systemic change.

Your voices matter.

Our voices matter.

And they will be heard.

The time is now.

This is our moment.

This is our rebellion against indifference.

This is our revolution of humanity.

And together, in solidarity and love, we will prevail.

May Allah bless you all.

In solidarity and love,

Jose "Jay" Rodriguez