Jeff Wernick
and Clayton Washburn share an extraordinary bond forged by a shared journey with
advanced colon cancer. Longtime friends, they were each diagnosed within one
year of the other, thrusting them into parallel journeys through chemotherapy,
major surgeries, and recovery. Both are undergoing treatment at
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, TN, and they often meet over
coffee to share stories, offer support, and lean on their faith and families.
For over 4 years, their unwavering support for one
another continues to turn their experience into a story of hope and
resilience.
A defining
moment of their friendship played out on a national stage. During the Stand
Up to Cancer tribute at the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Jeff
– then in the middle of his own treatment regimen – chose not to stand up for
himself, but for his friend Clayton. He held up a placard bearing
Clayton’s name during the tribute and was shown on the stadium jumbotron and
the national TV audience, prompting an unexpected wave of support from viewers. In that moment, Clayton’s phone lit up with messages from
friends and family who saw the broadcast. The nation witnessed the
power of their friendship, as Jeff literally stood up for Clayton, symbolizing
how each had been “standing up” for the other since their diagnoses.
By sharing
their experiences so openly, Jeff and Clayton hope to raise awareness for early
detection and increase funding for colon cancer research and support resources.
Determined to give back to the community that continues to support them, the
two have formed a team – aptly named UNDENIABLE MENTALITY – to participate in
the Strollin’ for the Colon 5K run/walk in Nashville on March 28, 2026,
sponsored by The Colon Cancer Coalition. Their goal is to raise over $20,000 while
channeling their personal journey into a force for good. Together, Jeff and
Clayton are rallying others to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer,
exemplifying the very mentality that defines their team’s name.
Learn more about their story in this Podcast:
Joshua Spradlin, Founder + Owner of Undeniable Mentality, LLC, interviews Jeff Wernick and Clayton Washburn: https://youtu.be/J2aA_SNP2IY?si=LObRBQQhFMsGjHXB
