Honoring “Assman”: Dave Jasso Foundation fights ALK-positive cancer

For those lucky enough to have known him, Dave Jasso (call sign “Assman”) was a light in their lives. His love for family, friends, his nation, and faith were evident in all aspects of his life. Dave was a U.S. Navy veteran and small-business owner, and was known among his friends and family as kind and generous with a quiet humor.

In May of 2020, what started as slight back pain turned debilitating. Dave, along with his beloved wife Amy, made a trip to the hospital and were given heartbreaking news no one was prepared for: Dave had stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer. Dave passed away three years later in October 2023, surrounded by those he loved most. In his memory, Dave’s family started the Dave Jasso Foundation to raise awareness and further research efforts.

ALK-positive cancer, caused by a mutation in the ALK gene, is a type of cancer with no known cause and no known cure. Like many of the roughly 100,000 people diagnosed worldwide every year, Dave was a non-smoker in the prime of his life. And like almost all others, Dave’s prognosis was terminal by the time the illness was uncovered.

Much is unknown about ALK-positive lung cancer. It is not thought to be a disease that is inherited or one that can be passed on to others, and at this point has no known behavioral or environmental inhibitors (such as second-hand smoke, asbestos or air pollution). What they do know, however, is that it accounts for roughly five percent of all lung cancer cases. It is more prevalent in younger individuals, with nearly 30 percent of cases diagnosed in patients less than 40 years old, and half of patients diagnosed before age 50. It causes approximately 72,000 new cases of lung cancer each year and roughly 64,000 deaths annually worldwide.

Symptoms of ALK-positive lung cancer often do not manifest until the cancer has progressed, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include coughing up blood, shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Due to its rare occurrence and unique demographic profile, it is often overlooked, particularly in younger patients or non-smokers.

In Dave’s case, what started as back pain quickly progressed into a life changing illness; one that would test his faith but ultimately not break his spirit. “One of the hardest parts of all of this is not knowing what causes ALK-positive cancer,” said Chad Jasso, Dave’s son and Chairman and co-founder of the Dave Jasso Foundation. “Dave was young, healthy and active, and we’re fighting every day to get answers for Dave and others affected.”

Born in Sumter, SC, Dave was raised in a proud Air Force family. He played football and baseball in high school, and after graduation, attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in May 1992. While stationed in Pensacola, Fla., early in his career, Dave fell in love and married Amy in 1994. Together they raised three sons: Chad, Charles and Caden.

Dave's first duty station took him to Whidbey Island, Wash., where he became part of the EA6-B community, earned his legendary call sign "Assman," and built bonds that felt like family. After a distinguished Naval career, which included support for Operations Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Dave returned to NAS Pensacola for a third time in March 2012, where he served as NASP Executive Officer. Dave then reported to Jacksonville University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in April 2015, where he served as the unit's Executive Officer.
Retirement allowed Dave to follow a new passion: alongside Amy and with the help of a loyal, supportive staff, he opened Cantonment Ace Hardware in 2018. The store was a mirror to Dave's own character: honesty, friendliness and down-home candor.

To preserve Dave’s legacy, his family created the Dave Jasso Foundation in January 2024. The Foundation acts under the umbrella of ALK-positive, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that funds research and grants, and works to improve quality of life for current ALK-positive patients. The Foundation was co-founded by Dave’s sons, Chad David Jasso and Charles Jasso. Its Board members include Greg Jasso, Dave’s brother, and Courtney Colmenares, Dave’s niece. Their combined expertise and passions drive the Foundation’s fundraising efforts in honor of Dave’s memory.

Despite much of ALK-positive lung cancer being a mystery, recent advancements have been made in treatment, survival rates and quality of life. Although most cases are not diagnosed until stage IV, the median survival rate has seen remarkable improvements.

“For us, the greatest thing we can hope for to come out of the Foundation would be to hear there’s a cure,” said Chad. “That’s a long way off; but every dollar raised goes toward funding research and helps raise awareness of ALK-positive lung cancer overall.” Since its launch, the Foundation has raised more than $25,000.

No one should have to go through the journey Dave did. Be part of Dave’s enduring legacy: contribute to the mission and help spread awareness. Visit www.davejassofoundation.org for more information.