My story begins in late 2018. I spent a few months in Germany with my son and daughter-in-law as they fulfilled a military obligation. During my free time, I enjoyed cycling, but I started experiencing abdominal pains that never went away. Upon returning home, I immediately made an appointment with my family physician, who then referred me to a specialist at a local medical facility. They conducted several biopsies and initially concluded that I had stage four colon cancer.

Fortunately, the physician sent the biopsy to Harvard University for a second opinion. Harvard determined it was not colon cancer and, though uncertain, suggested the possibility of Erdheim-Chester Disease. Further testing was required, and I was referred to the Illinois Cancer Clinic. My case sparked additional interest from my family physician, who planned to refer me to the Mayo Clinic if the Illinois Cancer Clinic couldn't provide a diagnosis. Luckily, my physician at the Illinois Cancer Clinic did refer me to the Mayo Clinic.

During this time—from the initial misdiagnosis on a Friday to my referral to Mayo Clinic the following Friday—I spent several days in deep reflection and prayer. I leaned on my faith, resolving to keep moving forward and trusting it to guide my path. A week after my initial diagnosis, I received a call from Mayo Clinic, where my physician would be Dr. Keith Bible. God does answer prayers! In March 2019, I was finally and correctly diagnosed with Histiocytic Sarcoma.

After surgery and seven subsequent treatments, I felt a calling to give back and reach out to others facing cancer, as well as to their caregivers, at both Mayo Clinic and the Illinois Cancer Care Infusion Center. Additionally, through a Facebook search, my daughter Heather connected me with four other people with the same rare cancer. I immediately began a daily reflection and meditation text and email campaign, reaching out to patients and caregivers regardless of their specific cancer type. Today, I connect with several hundred patients and caregivers daily and have spoken at several celebration of life ceremonies. This experience has given me a profound purpose in life, and I consider this cancer a blessing.

The doctors at Mayo Clinic are incredible, continuously encouraging, supporting, and checking in on me. They may not ultimately be able to save me, but I place my hope and trust in the Mayo Research team to find a cure. I have made it known that I am willing to participate in any trial, regardless of side effects, to aid this mission. I am committed to raising awareness, reaching out to others daily, and keeping my phone on 24/7 to support, encourage, and pray for others. It’s about serving others, and it has taken me 65 years to find this purpose. I will not let my Savior down.