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N.Y. man continues to inspire others while facing advanced colorectal cancer with courage
06/12/2025
High school teacher and baseball coach shares his experience with recurrent colorectal cancer to raise awareness and hope.
John Manganiello has always been a coach — on the field, in the classroom and now, in life.
In 2022, the longtime high school teacher and baseball coach from Newburgh, N.Y. was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. He faced it head-on, sharing his story publicly to encourage others to get screened and show what’s possible with expert care, determination and heart.
Since then, John has endured difficult treatments, including months of chemotherapy and needing a colostomy bag because the tumor in his colon was so large. The chemotherapy was effective and shrunk the tumor enough to safely remove it. He had colorectal surgery on June 22, 2023, including reversing the colostomy.
After surgery, John was back to making a positive mark on his students and traveling with his wife. He even hosted two baseball tournaments, called Strike Out Cancer, to raise awareness about colonoscopy screenings and funds for colorectal cancer care.
Until the cancer challenged him again, this time it had spread to his stomach.
In true John form, he tackled cancer again with optimism and hope.
Related content: Colon cancer: from symptoms to surgery and life after recovery
A recurrence of colorectal cancer, and a new treatment path
“It was a punch to the gut — literally and emotionally,” John said.
John had complex abdominal surgery with Dr. Daniel Labow, system chair of surgical services and chief of surgical services at Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital.
During the operation, John received HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy), a specialized treatment in which high-dose chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen while the patient is still in surgery. HIPEC targets cancer more precisely, sparing the rest of the body from the harsh effects of systemic chemotherapy.
“HIPEC gave me another shot,” John said. “It was tough, but it was the best option.”
Learn more about HIPEC in this video.
Returning to teaching after HIPEC and surgery for metastatic with colorectal cancer
Despite the physical and emotional toll of advanced colorectal cancer, John hasn’t let go of the things that give his life meaning.
He returned to the high school classroom, even though he couldn’t coach baseball this season.
“Teaching gives me purpose,” John said. “Being around the kids gives me energy.”
He also took on a new role as keynote speaker at the Cancer Survivors Day celebration at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in June 2025, where he shared his experience with honesty, warmth and humor.
During the event with other cancer survivors in the audience, including his dad, John said:
“We are blessed to be here, and I am blessed to be part of this tremendous group of fighters. We have been through some of the toughest times anyone can imagine, not just physically but mentally as well. Our families have been there on the frontlines with us along with our doctors, nurses and medical professionals. We have researched and studied our disease and looked for the best possible care.
Being diagnosed with cancer is life changing, and our lives will never be the same. But with advancements in cancer research and screenings, we all can make a difference in our society and help save lives.
If my story helps even one person get screened for cancer or feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing.”
Watch John in this video: Living with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer and Inspiring Others to Get Screened
Moving forward with hope after colorectal cancer treatment
John continues to receive follow-up care at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care and is focused on living life to the fullest. He loves to travel and is looking forward to a European cruise this summer, soaking in the moments with loved ones and building new memories.
To those going through a cancer diagnosis, John shared a quote that help him:
“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.” — Stuart Scott, ESPN sportscaster.
To John, this means: “Live your life by your own terms, not cancer’s.”
John is a source of strength for everyone navigating colorectal cancer. Through chemotherapy, surgery, recurrence and recovery, he continues to show what’s possible with hope, determination and expert care.
Please join us in wishing John well as he continues to recover and inspire others. We thank him for sharing his story — and giving all of us a little more hope.
Disclaimer: Outcomes from cancer vary from person to person. No individual results should be seen as typical.