Bill Thach

Bill's life took a pivotal turn with a diagnosis of Stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma of the rectum at the of age 33, while raising a young family in Houston, TX. After enduring nine lines of treatment—including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, clinical trials and major surgery that resulted in a permanent urostomy and colostomy. He continues on lifelong treatment with no clear endpoint.

In 2024, discovering Man Up to Cancer became his lifeline. Attending the Gathering of Wolves allowed him to reframe his journey into something deeply fulfilling following his retirement in May 2024 and eventual acceptance to become part of the leadership team. As Director of Diversity, Bill leads the AYA Chapter and the Men of Diversity Chapter, while also co-leading the Texas Chapter. Through these roles, he builds communities centered on mental health, survivorship, and self-advocacy, empowering men to find connection and strength beyond diagnosis.

Bill’s advocacy focuses on rare cancer research, movement, and mental health, collaborating with investigators and organizations to amplify patient voices, champion equity, and bring real-world patient experience into cancer research and care. As a Consumer Reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program/Rare Cancer Research Program, Community Scientist at MD Anderson, Research Advocate with Fight Colorectal Cancer, and participant on multiple AYA advisory panels for research institutions and industry partners, he works to bridge gaps for underserved communities.

Because of the chronic nature of his cancer and the ongoing search for new treatments to extend his life, Bill views movement as freedom and incorporates it into his daily routine to keep both his body and his mind resilient. He continues to share his story and the lessons learned along the way, striving to advance authentic patient partnerships in research and dismantle barriers for communities long overlooked, proving that lived experience can drive real change.