Alex Parra (@alex1leg), a two-time cancer survivor and disability advocate, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his extraordinary journey of beating stage two bone cancer and stage four lung cancer before his 20th birthday. In this episode, Alex reveals the shocking moment at age 15 when he flipped a coin to decide between knee replacement and leg amputation—and how that gut decision saved his life when doctors discovered the cancer had spread further than expected. Host Ross Borden explores Alex's path from a 10% survival chance and three months to live, to becoming cancer-free and inspiring millions through content creation. Alex shares the reality of phantom pain, the hidden cost crisis of athletic prosthetics ($35,000 out of pocket), and why he attempted a marathon on crutches to raise awareness. He also opens up about his "cancer bucket list," traveling to Japan and Australia, and meeting young amputees who remind him why his advocacy matters. Whether you're facing your own health challenges or simply need a reminder of human resilience, this conversation delivers a powerful perspective on turning tragedy into purpose.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Alex Parra

01:18 - First Cancer Diagnosis at 15

04:22 - Choosing Between Knee Replacement and Amputation

06:09 - The Coin Flip Decision

08:28 - Surgery Day and Losing His Leg

10:54 - Recovery and Learning to Walk Again

11:25 - Understanding Phantom Pain

13:43 - Finishing Chemotherapy and First Remission

15:29 - First Cancer Scare: Dots in the Lungs

18:14 - Stage Four Diagnosis: Three Months to Live

20:08 - Three Impossible Options

22:57 - Clinical Trial Success and Second Remission

24:14 - Officially Cancer Free

24:41 - The Cancer Bucket List

27:07 - Traveling with a Disability

30:34 - The Marathon on Crutches

35:04 - Creative Prosthetic Designs

36:40 - Giving Back to Others Fighting Cancer

37:49 - Brand Collaborations and TEDx Talk

39:05 - What's Next for Alex

39:47 - Where to Find Alex Online

40:17 - Three Countries Question