Joe Heiden

Joe Heiden is a 46 year old marketing manager, father of four and cancer survivor who survived Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. His nickname is The Hopeful Warrior After a huge emaciation from battling pancreatic cancer, Heiden started training for American Ninja Warrior, eventually getting to compete on American Ninja Warrior 9.

American Ninja Warrior 9
Heiden had the opportunity to compete in Los Angeles after beating cancer. He was able to complete the first obstacle, the Floating Steps. Although he went out one obstacle later on Cannonball Drop, bouncing off the dismount, his run nevertheless was a victorious comeback after the battle he has been through.

Trivia

 * It is revealed that Heiden actually has a family history of cancer. His father, Floyd K. Heiden, was diagnosed with kidney cancer and passed away when Joe was only 13 years of age.
 * Additionally, his father-in-law also passed away from stage 3 pancreatic cancer.