Nov. 15, 2025: When you sit down with Jeff Wynn, you hear two things almost immediately: his honesty and his laughter. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.
Wynn, 67, of Wadena is fighting both prostate and colon cancer -- a journey now stretching five years for his prostate cancer and nearly three for his colon cancer.
“It’s been quite a time,” he said, pausing as his eyes filled with emotion. “I get scared. This is the farthest along my cancer has been. But every time I leave here, I feel better, physically and mentally. That’s because of these guys [oncology team]. I couldn’t imagine doing this anywhere else.”
Positive attitude. Even when it’s tough
Wynn admits that staying positive isn’t always easy. But it’s something he works hard at, for himself, and for the oncology team he says has become part of his life.
“I try to be positive, for sure. Some days it [cancer] brings you down, but I’ve got to take care of myself,” he said, adding. “After all the help they’ve given me … they help me push myself and keep my attitude up. So this is for them as well as me.”
Alicia Jelinski, RN in Infusion Therapy, says Wynn is simply unforgettable.
“Jeff brings resilience and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor to every visit,” Jelinski shared. “He keeps us on our toes with lighthearted jokes and playful surprises -- he’s even shown up dressed as a scarecrow and once wrapped completely in bubble wrap.”
But beyond the pranks and laughter, Jelinski says his spirit is what stands out most.
“Jeff’s positivity is contagious. He greets everyone with a smile, and his optimism lifts our whole team. He reminds me that humor and hope can be powerful companions on a patient’s care journey. I’m grateful and honored to be part of his.”
Care that extends beyond the physical
Mariah (Nieman) Couture, oncology nurse practitioner, has been closely involved with Jeff’s treatments, medication changes and emotional challenges. But Wynn says she’s much more than a provider.
“She’s been a sweetheart. A savior, really. Sometimes it takes her two or three times telling me something before I listen,” he joked. “But she’s patient with me.”
Couture says that knowing Wynn as a whole person, not just a patient, is what guides the care he receives.
“Our visits not only address his disease and treatments, but also who he is, what he loves, and what keeps him motivated to fight,” Couture said. “We keep track of the moments in his life and celebrate those with him. Jeff inspires all of us with his positivity and resilience.”
She stressed how laughter, hugs and personal conversations are intentional parts of care.
“Jeff’s story is a good reminder that what we do matters. We want every patient to know they’re more than their disease. They have stories, families, favorite TV shows, grandchildren to brag about,” Couture said, adding, “Our team is blessed with the most incredible patients.”
Finding joy in each day
Wynn doesn’t let cancer define his days. He finds joy in the simple things like fishing, golfing, spending time with his lifelong best friend, and making plans to bake a cake for the oncology staff.
“I’m almost at my three-year anniversary of coming to Staples,” he said with a grin. “I’m going to have to bake a cake for that!”
He sets short-term goals to stay hopeful -- like fishing last summer, or now, making it through the holidays and finding joy in them. Those goals, he said, keep him moving forward.
“Short-term goals have worked out pretty well. Now I’m just praying my scan isn’t too bad yet. I just want to be comfortable,” said Wynn as he wipes away the tears.
A place that feels like home
When asked if coming in for treatment is tough on him, Wynn doesn’t hesitate.
“I do look forward to it” he said. “I always walk out of here in such a better mood and with such a better feeling. Every time. This is a good place to be. A good place to be sick.”
He pauses, then adds:
“I’m just driving the car. They’re putting in all the stuff it takes. They make this easy. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.”
And then, through a tearful smile, he repeats the phrase he’s become known for:
“It’s been a slice.”
To learn more about Lakewood Cancer Center, go to: https://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/care-services/oncology-cancer-care/
Top photo: When Jeff Wynn was having a hard day, the oncology team made tin-foil hats to lift his spirits. A gesture he still talks about. Photo by Dr. Emily McGovern.
Bottom photos: During a recent appointment, Mariah (Nieman) Couture, oncology nurse practitioner, visit about Wynn’s treatments, medication changes, emotional challenges and to share a laugh.