Sidney Raz Reveals Cancer Diagnosis Following Personal Tragedy
Sidney Raz, widely recognized for his engaging and informative “Life Hacks”videos, has shared heart-wrenching news about his health: he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. This announcement comes just months after he and his wife, Kelsey, faced the devastating loss of their unborn daughter, who tragically passed away due to a rare birth defect.
In an emotional video uploaded on March 29, 2025, Raz, whose full name is Sidney Raskind, opened up about the circumstances leading to his diagnosis. This diagnosis was uncovered through genetic testing, which the couple opted for after their daughter’s heartbreaking passing in September 2024.
Understanding the Diagnosis
Sidney recounted the story of his daughter, who was lost at just 26 weeks due to holoprosencephaly, a condition where the brain fails to properly divide into two hemispheres. Following this tragic event, the couple pursued genetic testing to uncover any potential underlying causes that could impact future pregnancies, as highlighted by a report from Us Weekly on April 9.
Genetic Testing Unveils Cancer Risk
In his video update, Raz revealed the shocking results:
“It was found that [my daughter] had a deletion. So we did genetic testing on me and Kelsey; she didn’t have that deletion, but I did have that deletion. Recently, it has been observed that this deletion is linked to certain types of cancer, particularly stomach cancer.”
This discovery prompted Sidney to undergo an endoscopy, leading to a diagnosis that may have remained hidden for years if not for the proactive genetic testing initiated by their daughter’s illness.
“I scheduled an endoscopy and … today I found out that I have stomach cancer,”he shared.
Preparing for Surgery and Life After Diagnosis
Despite initially showing no symptoms, the biopsy taken during the endoscopy revealed one malignant sample among 36. Because of the early detection, physicians have recommended a gastrectomy, or complete removal of his stomach.
“The doctors believe that complete removal is the best course of action,”Raz stated.
This significant procedure, while daunting, offers him a promising chance for long-term survival. He recounted that his physician warned that if the cancer had gone undetected, he could have returned in a few years with a much later stage of cancer.
“So I might not have a stomach, but I’ll be here in three to four years,”Raz noted, reflecting on the positive aspects of early detection.
Following the surgery, which will involve connecting his esophagus directly to the intestines, lifestyle adjustments will be necessary. According to guidelines provided by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can live without a stomach, yet they must alter their diets and eating habits significantly. Raz recognized the implications:
“I will need to chew my food more thoroughly and retrain my body on how to eat,”he remarked, acknowledging the lifestyle changes ahead.
The Importance of Genetic Testing
Sidney Raz poignantly emphasized the critical role of genetic testing in uncovering his health issues, stating:
“Without the genetic test prompted by my daughter’s condition, I would not have discovered my cancer. It was literally just my daughter’s DNA that saved my life — and now there can be a path forward.”
He urged his followers to consider genetic screenings that could facilitate early detection of similar risks:
“Ask [a genetic specialist] to do a full panel of CDH1 and then look for CTNNA. Those are two genes currently known to lead to diffuse gastric cancer. I hope this information helps.”
As he navigates through the treatment process, Sidney is in the waiting phase for further results to determine the cancer stage and evaluate the need for chemotherapy. At this time, he anticipates surgery, set for April 18, as shared in his Instagram video on April 2.
To read more on this story and follow Raz’s journey, visit this link.