Meet Ron Jefferis

Meet Ron Jefferis 

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare type of cancer that begins in the digestive system. GISTs happen most often in the stomach and small intestine. GIST is also something that happened to Ron Jefferis. 

Ron Jefferis grew up in the valley and attended Chaminade High School where he then found his way to CSUN (California State University, Northridge). To make his way through college Ron raced fast cars for money in which he has always had a deep fascination towards cars. This interest drove Ron to open up his own automotive repair shop in Chatsworth. While this shop was successful Ron decided to switch things up and move his family to the Westlake Village area in 1994. Three years later, Ron and his wife Judy opened up Westlake Euro. Ron tries to be as honest and fair as possible with people and stays very close to his customers. His wife mentions “we all have to sleep well at night, we don’t try to sell our customers on a ton of stuff they don’t need. We value them and want them to value us.”

Although Ron stays close to his customers most would never know he was diagnosed with GIST – Gastrointestinal stromal tumor – in February of 2020. In the beginning, he didn’t experience many symptoms other than a bit of nausea as the tumor was putting pressure on his digestive system. Ron’s tumor upon diagnosis was 33 cm in his abdomen. Under the treatment of Dr. Shay Ashouri, Ron took a pill everyday that targeted the protein in the cancer cells to shrink it since chemo and radiation are ineffective with this cancer. 

Through this treatment and some time Ron was able to shrink his tumor down to 95%. Ron’s wife also mentions “this process was so smooth as Dr. Ashouri is the best! He will text us constantly and is genuinely so caring. He is always thinking of everybody.” Although this pill did miracles for Ron back then it tends to be something people become resistant to after some point resulting in tumors coming back and growing.

This was the case for Ron. As his tumor has returned and is targeting his colon and other intestines, causing him a bit more discomfort. In March, Ron’s doctors started him on a new medication and it will be a few months before they know if it is working. If this medication doesn’t work, it seems there may be nothing else they can do. During Ron’s first go about he was very upbeat and able to work through it all. This time around Ron is still able to take care of himself but  is feeling a little discouraged. He is sadly unable to be in person at the shop but is still able to consult with his mechanics at home. Judy  mentioned “we’re trying to keep him upbeat and focus on each day at a time. We don’t want to project too far in the future because anything could happen.”

While Ron isn’t fixing the community's cars he loves taking care of animals, building model WWII planes, tanks and ships and spending time with his wife and two kids. 

Ron and Judy have been with so many people during their hard times, it is now time for The Jewel Levine Foundation to be there for them. We are so excited to announce Ron Jefferis as a recipient for our 7th Annual Crawfish Boil!