Patient Stories

Christopher Greklek competed in Ironman races and was shocked when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He describes being in and out of remission repeatedly, citing a program seeking to improve patient options.

Michael Bailey, SHRM-CP, went through denial and fear when he was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and finally found inspiration in Bob Marley’s words on his way to perseverance. This is his story.

Traci Fotorny was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at age 47. She kept her smile during her aggressive treatment, and when it ended, she started a Boxes of Hope program to give back to women with breast cancer.

Denis Finnegan, EdD, a retired U.S. Navy officer, recalls his fear of being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, and mustering the courage to tell his wife. This experience changed his world.

With this moving portrait of how a cancer diagnosis can shake up one’s emotions and sense of self, Lydia DeJesus describes her experience with breast cancer and how she found her strength again.

After ignoring his abdominal pain and blood in his stool because of family stresses, Joe Bullock finally had a colonoscopy done at the urging of his wife. A stage III colon cancer diagnosis and the support he received from other patients provided new insights.

Melanie Shepard was diagnosed with stage IIIB ovarian cancer during the pandemic; she shares her experience of receiving treatment and support during these uniquely stressful times.