Gregory Backer is currently waiting for a liver transplant after his stage 4 colorectal cancer returned. The 44-year-old Army veteran previously beat the cancer, but doctors found seven tumors on his liver just as he prepared for the transplant process. He is now back on chemotherapy to keep the cancer from spreading while he stays on the transplant list.
As reported by People, Backer joined the military in 2000 when he was 18. He spent 12 years serving, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked in artillery and later became a commissioned officer. He left the military in 2012 as a captain. During his time overseas, he faced intense sandstorms, burning debris, and poor air quality. These conditions took a toll on his body. He recalls frequent nosebleeds and gasping for air while he was still deployed.
He noticed his breathing was different from what it had been before he went overseas. He had always been physically active, so the change felt wrong. Shortly after he returned from his first deployment, doctors diagnosed him with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
His liver was damaged due to intense chemotherapy and radiation
This was a shock because he never smoked. He spent the last 20 years managing these conditions with multiple inhalers. He says, “I had already noticed that something wasn’t right with my breathing while I was deployed, but receiving the diagnosis was life-changing.”
His health challenges grew in February 2023 when he received a diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer. The cancer had metastasized to his liver. He explains, “That diagnosis was completely life-changing, even more so than anything I had experienced before.”
He underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation, which damaged his liver. Doctors initially hoped the organ would recover on its own. When it did not, they suggested a transplant. The discovery of seven tumors stopped that plan in its tracks.
He beat the cancer again a few months ago and finally made it onto the transplant list. He remains on maintenance chemotherapy to prevent another recurrence. He admits that managing his lung conditions alongside this liver battle is a heavy burden. He says, “I’ve always tried to maintain a positive outlook.”
He now works with the AstraZeneca Patient Voices program to help other veterans and patients understand the impact of chronic disease. He wants people to be their own advocates when it comes to their health. He says, “If something doesn’t feel right with your health, get it checked out. Don’t ignore symptoms or allow something to continue getting worse without seeking answers.”
He believes that speaking up is the only reason he is still here today. He intends to use his own difficult experience to help others avoid similar outcomes. He adds, “I truly believe that if I hadn’t advocated for myself throughout my health journey, I wouldn’t be here today.” He continues his advocacy work while he waits for a donor liver, hoping his story makes a difference for others.
Published: Nov 15, 2026 07:15 am