Former Jazz Bear GoFundMe Raises Over $18k After Cancer Diagnosis
Mar 25, 2025, 2:03 PM | Updated: 2:08 pm
"Jazz Bear" the Utah Jazz mascot performs (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – A GoFundMe has been set up to support former Utah Jazz Bear Jon Absey, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
According to the GoFundMe page, “Jon faces one of the toughest battles of his life: pancreatic cancer.”
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Original Jazz Bear Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer
Absey was the first person to serve as the Jazz Bear in 1994 when the team introduced the mascot, a role he held until 2018, when the team moved in a different direction.
“Jon has always been a fighter—whether it was performing gravity-defying stunts or supporting countless charitable causes,” the GoFundMe page reads. “He’s given so much to the community, and now it’s our turn to give back. The journey ahead is challenging, with medical treatments, travel expenses, and the emotional toll that comes with fighting this disease.”
The original Jazz Bear, Jon Absey, was diagnosed with cancer last week.
Jon is one of the most kind, selfless, and giving people I know. Please consider supporting him with a donation to his medical fund to help him win this fight against cancer. 💔https://t.co/CRH3luuqvd pic.twitter.com/3YKg6WLqYf
— Utah Jazz History (@utahjazzhistory) March 24, 2025
Absey’s run with the Jazz lasted for more than 800 games. While wearing the uniform, Jazz Bear was named Mascot Of The Year three times, including his final season in 2017-18.
During his tenure, Absey was known for several death-defying stunts, including handstands atop 20-foot ladders, doing the splits as he jumped through the rim on the basketball hoop, and sledding down the stairs of the lower bowl.
The profession took a toll on his body, with Absey counting 10 surgeries and more than 100 stitches while working for the organization.
“We’re rallying together to support Jon and his family during this difficult time,” the GoFundMe added. “Your contributions will go directly toward his medical expenses, ensuring he gets the best care possible, and helping his family focus on what truly matters—his recovery.
*sports.ksl.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
