$5,741.00

Ten years ago this summer without warning, I became jaundiced, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, had a Whipple procedure (14 hours long surgery), spent ten days in Strong hospital and was cured. The recovery was slow, and the cure had its side effects.

In the intervening years, I have had kidney stones, pancreatitis attacks, and digestive issues.  I am blessed because I am still here, living my best life.

Three years ago, I became feverish, suddenly lost vision, was losing weight at a rate of two pounds per day, and had become diabetic.

My Neuroendocrine tumors had returned in lymph nodes in my chest and neck area.

And I am one of the lucky ones.  For ten years, the great Doctors at Strong Hospital and Wilmot have treated me and allowed me to continue my life, largely unaffected by my disease.  From my primary care, Dr. Scott Campbell, to Dr. Kaul in Gastroenterology, I was lucky to have Doctors who looked harder at my initial problem to find the cancer.

Dr. Eva Galka performed my surgery (with a team) that saved me ten years ago.  My current team at Wilmot led by Dr. Richard Dunne treats me monthly for both the disease, and to keep me strong mentally and physically.

I first became engaged with the Wilmot Cancer Center in the early 2000's when I met Dr. Richard Fisher who asked if the radio company I worked at would help raise awareness of Wilmot as they tried to raise money to build the building where I have been treated for a decade.  I said 'yes' and we embarked on a program to promote the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

When Dr. Fisher asked me why we were willing to donate our time and talent to this effort, I told him my brother in law had just passed away from cancer, and I believed I was supposed to help.

After a decade of cancer treatment, I can say without a doubt, I was supposed to help in some small way.  I am working in a second career that is a dream come true for me.  My cancer is under control, but not cured, and I am living life to the fullest.  I am the luckiest person I know.

There is so much work that needs to be done, so more cancer patients can have the kind of outcomes I have enjoyed so for.

I am proud to participate in the Wilmot Warrior Weekend on September 29 – October 1st, 2023, in Rochester, NY. Wilmot Warrior Weekend is more than just a first-class cycling, walk, and running event – it’s a celebration and movement fueled to create new life saving treatments and cures for cancer patients in New York and around the world.

 All fundraising will advance world class cancer research and survivorship programs at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester. Please consider supporting my efforts by donating to my fundraiser and let’s leave cancer in the dust.  Won't you help me celebrate my tenth rebirth day with a small gift to my effort.

I walk for all the staff, doctors, nurses, med techs, and office staff who have kept me alive for ten years.  I walk for all the cancer patients who haven't been as lucky as I have been for a decade.

I walk in the hope they can continue to find more treatments and cures for cancer.  

#WilmotWarrior