Cancer Fighters Stories - Dec Update
Welcome New PAC Members
In our last eNewsletter we thanked the outgoing Patient Advisory Council (PAC) for their dedication and commitment to the mission of Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). This month we want to welcome our new PAC members that have committed to helping CTCA understand the needs and interests of cancer patients and their families. The PAC is a group of 12 patients and their caregivers that meet on a quarterly basis to provide a patient’s point-of-view on upcoming initiatives.
The following patients and caregivers will advise CTCA and provide feedback and recommendations:
Pat Bennett and Nathan Warren
David and Vivian Blain
Nicole and Maurice Cyrille
Christopher Ferrante and Rosanne Davis
Beth and Raul Gomez
Thomas “TJ” and Lois James
Robert and Marilyn Keys
Ray and Cindy La Boeuf
Jackie and Joe Malena
Troy and Tammie Mikell
Bill and Nancy Neal
Pattie and Ken Noel
We want to welcome these outstanding members and thank them for their commitment to making CTCA a community of healing and hope.
To submit an idea for discussion with the PAC, please e-mail cancerfighter@ctca-hope.com.
Spotlight on Greg Boyd and Joe Depina
Walk into the lobby at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Western Regional Medical Center and on most days you will find two very friendly faces greeting new patients. Greg Boyd and Joe Depina are both CTCA patients and Cancer Fighters. They met when they began treatment in May 2009. Greg, from Casper, Wyoming, came to CTCA after a suggestion from his father-in-law. Joe came to CTCA from Riverside, California at the recommendation of his doctor. They became instant friends and have become like brothers to each other ever since.
When asked why they decided to become Cancer Fighters, each answered enthusiastically. “I want to help new patients and let them know they don’t have to be scared. There are good people here available to help. You don’t have to give up,” said Greg.
Joe went through most of his treatment alone and doesn’t want others to go through the same experience. Joe replied, “I’m available 24/7 if a patient wants to call my cell and talk, sit with me at dinner, meet for coffee, anything.” Joe and Greg also plan to join the Patient to Patient Network where they will also have the opportunity to speak with cancer patients considering coming to CTCA for treatment.
In addition to welcoming patients in the lobby, Joe and Greg make sure to spread the word about upcoming Cancer Fighter events, helping others get involved. Both recently organized a small group to walk in the one mile fun run at the Undy 5000 in downtown Phoenix. Participants wore boxer shorts and CTCA T-shirts, helping to bring awareness to colon cancer. Back home, Greg organized a team for the Casper Relay for Life.
When asked what advice they would give to patients just starting their journey with cancer, Greg answered, “With cancer, you’ve got it, it don’t have you. When times get hard, that’s when you need to talk to someone like Joe or me or another Cancer Fighter.” Greg’s future plans include continuing his studies. “I would like to be a minister when this cancer treatment is done. I always wanted to be two things growing up; a cop and a minister. I’ve been a cop and now I’m working to be a minister."
“Don’t ever give up hope,” Joe advises. Looking forward to the future helps strengthen that hope. This spring Joe is looking forward to moving to Arizona from California and having the opportunity to help more patients. When asked about life lessons he has learned, Joe replied, “Don’t take anything for granted. Enjoy life! Smile, laugh and hug a lot.” He added. “That’s what I do!”
Greg Boyd and Joe Depina
Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center