June is National Cancer Survivors Month - a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and courage of those who have faced cancer and to highlight advances in care that are helping more people survive and thrive.
Ty Labbe, a retired homicide detective from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, faced one of the toughest battles of his life last year. What started as a toothache and several dental visits led to a life-changing diagnosis. After having a tooth extracted and undergoing bone grafting, Ty developed an infection that didn’t respond to antibiotics.
His oral surgeon ordered a biopsy, which confirmed a devastating diagnosis: Stage 4A squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the cells that make up the outer layer of your skin and can occur in places including the mouth.
“Hearing the diagnosis was a shock, but I knew I had to fight,” Ty said. “My background in law enforcement taught me to face challenges head-on—and this was no different.”
Ty’s cancer journey was marked by remarkable resilience. In May 2024, a head and neck specialist at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park confirmed the diagnosis. He was referred to Dr. Paul Kim, a head and neck oncologist at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, who led his treatment.
In June, Ty underwent a groundbreaking surgery called “Jaw in a Day.” This innovative procedure involved removing the cancer and immediately reconstructing the jaw using bone and tissue from Ty’s left leg, complete with dental implants — all in a single surgery.
“The ‘Jaw in a Day’ procedure is a significant advancement in surgical oncology,” said Dr. Kim. “By combining tumor removal and jaw reconstruction in one surgery, we were able to minimize recovery time and improve Ty’s prognosis.”
Dr. Darren Leong, a plastic surgeon also at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center who played a key role in the surgery, explained, “When we remove the tumor, we reconstruct the jaw using bone from the lower leg. The dentist then uses 3D technology to design implants that precisely match where the teeth and jawbone need to be.”
Also instrumental was Dr. Soojin Lee, a dentist that Kaiser Permanente contracted with to provide restorative dental work, helped detect the cancer early and performed the dental portion of Ty’s care.
His recovery was grueling. He spent several days in the ICU and had to relearn how to talk and walk. He also endured chemotherapy and radiation at the same time — facing each setback with strength and determination.
On October 2, 2024, Ty was officially declared to have his cancer in remission after follow-up exams and imaging.
He soon returned to the things he loves — coaching baseball and working as a civilian investigator with the Azusa Police Department. He also began sharing his story publicly, documenting his journey on Instagram, launching a cancer support group and posting photos to encourage others facing similar battles. Throughout it all, Ty leaned on the support of his wife and three sons.
He speaks passionately about the care he got: "The care I received at Kaiser Permanente was exceptional,” Ty said. “The doctors, nurses and staff didn’t just treat the cancer — they supported me emotionally and mentally. I’m so grateful for everything they did to give me hope and help me heal.”
Dr. Leong emphasized the importance of early detection. He noted that Ty’s case is not uncommon; many patients first report a persistent toothache or lump before learning they have oral cancer. The “Jaw in a Day” approach gave Ty a better chance at a full recovery with restored function and appearance.
Dr. Kim also added, “It is not unusual to have oral cancer diagnosed this way since Ty has a history of diabetes, and those with diabetes can get oral infections. When the infections do not get better, we recommend that patients get a biopsy.”
Dr. Kim praised Ty’s unshakable spirit during treatment.
“Despite the aggressive nature of his cancer, Ty’s recovery was remarkable,” Dr. Kim said. “He formed strong bonds with other patients and staff, becoming a source of inspiration for all of us.”
Ty’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of a positive mindset, and how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated, advanced cancer care can help patients prevent, treat and beat cancer.
To learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente, visit kp.org/cancer.