Don Chesler is living proof of hope, strength and resilience. He's celebrating two years of being cancer-free, and while life has returned to a sense of normalcy, he cherishes every moment with loved ones. Recently named AEP Ohio's director of distribution operations, he's sharing his story of survival to inspire others on their journeys.

The Beginning of Life or Death

Nearly three years ago in October 2022, Chesler developed a cough that simply wouldn’t go away.

“I thought I had a cold or the flu, but when a lymph node on my neck started to protrude, I went to urgent care,” Chesler said. “Some time passed, and just two weeks before Thanksgiving, I found myself at the OSU Wexner emergency room. Doctors treated me, pulling two liters of fluid from my left lung.”

That’s when he received the devastating diagnosis.

“The doctors told me, ‘We’re running tests to rule out an infectious cause, but the probability is high you have cancer.’ Those words slammed into me like a rogue wave, drowning out hope for the future. It was 2 a.m., two Tuesdays before Thanksgiving and just after my 35th birthday,” said the devoted husband and father to daughter Madelyn, who was just three years old at the time.

Further testing confirmed he had stage two cancer. “A biopsy proved conclusive: primary mediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Just two days later, I started treatment that would ultimately save my life,” Chesler said. “The James is an amazing resource. As one of the few comprehensive cancer treatment centers in the Midwest, it brings together exceptional minds and technology to fight a variety of cancers.”

Overcoming Cancer

Throughout his battle, Chesler tried to keep life as normal as possible. While undergoing chemotherapy, he continued his work as a distribution management systems supervisor supporting smart grid projects for AEP Ohio and other operating companies.

“I would take two days off after each chemo treatment because the computer screens made me so nauseous, but I didn’t want to miss too many days at the office. Coming to work became my outlet. It helped me forget I was battling cancer,” Chesler said.

Chesler emphasized the importance of the encouragement he received from his colleagues: “Everyone at AEP and AEP Ohio was so incredibly helpful, and they became a crucial part of my support system. I leaned into what I could do for the team, and it allowed me focus on the future. I connected with other employees facing similar battles, and I tried to help them in any way I could.”

It wasn’t an easy battle to overcome. He remembers facing some of the darkest times of his life and feeling unsure whether he was going to make it. Chesler remains grateful for one particular helping hand that lifted him up throughout his treatments.

“An organization called the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or LLS, was there to help me and my family. They provided the support needed to navigate through those uncertain times,” Chesler said.

Even though Chesler endured six rounds of chemotherapy, he said that one of the hardest things to do through all of it was being a dad.

“Parenting through cancer is hard. You want them to be a kid and not have them worry about you,” Chesler said. “You have low energy and fatigue, which made it hard to do some of the activities I loved to do with my family.”

Today, he’s cancer-free.

“I’ve been cancer-free for two years now. I remain grateful for the perspective I gained from my fight, but the fight isn’t over. We must continue to fund research and support for those still battling and their loved ones,” Chesler said.

Living Life to the Fullest

Chesler is back to enjoying activities he loved, like camping, golfing and cherishing every breath of life.

In August, Chesler joined hundreds of Pelotonia riders cycling across central Ohio to raise money for cancer research at The James.

“I don’t push anything off because tomorrow is not guaranteed,” he said.

Recently promoted to director of distribution operations at AEP Ohio, Chesler described it as a “full circle” moment.

“AEP Ohio is like family. I feel great and everything is going well. Just the other day, my almost six-year-old daughter, Madelyn, saw me getting ready for work and said, ‘You look handsome, Daddy.’ It warmed my heart to know she recognized how good I feel inside and out.”

Although life is brighter now, Chesler remains committed to making the most of his second chance at life. He participated in this year's Light the Night Walk to raise awareness about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — now known as Blood Cancer United. He hopes his story inspires others to reach out for help and reminds them that they don’t have to fight cancer alone.