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Stories of Inspiration

Stories of the fighters, believers, and survivors who've inspired us with their determination and hopeful spirit.

  • Karen Sams

    Karen Sams: Taking on the Unknown

    Karen Sams and her husband were looking forward to their trip of a lifetime. But Karen received a call that, quite literally, stopped her in her tracks. She knew she heard “breast cancer,” but she didn’t know what would come next.

    “To anyone on the fence, get the biopsy or do the extra test. Who knows, it might be nothing but at least you’d be sure. If it is something, then maybe you’ve caught it early.”

    Karen Sams
    Breast Cancer
  • Joy Brooks

    Joy Brooks: The Ending was Just the Beginning

    In 2015, Joy Brooks was at her “Kick the Bucket” party celebrating her life in style and preparing to say goodbye to her friends and family. Now she’s six years cancer-free.

    “Everyone was so professional. Not one person made me uncomfortable—from the person who came around and asked what I wanted to eat to the people who cleaned. They treated you as a person, not just a patient.”

    Joy Brooks
    Ovarian Cancer
  • Mike Diers

    Mike Diers: Fighting Cancer with the Power of Perspective

    For Mike Diers, 54, perception is reality. Worrying about things outside his control is not his way – he’s laser-focused and takes life step-by-step. Of course, some things in life are beyond any one person’s control. In those instances, Mike’s logical nature blends with his faith in a higher power. That balance would be crucial as he faced down cancer.

    “A lot of people look at cancer as if they’re walking in a dark tunnel toward a pinprick of light,” said Mike. “It’s better to reverse that and enjoy the present and all the light that’s around you right now.”

    Mike Diers
    Lung Cancer
  • Lorinda Wilks

    Lorinda Wilks: Conquering Cancer One Line at a Time

    Lorinda Wilks was always up for a challenge, but she never expected to face endometrial cancer. Recognizing the importance of mental and physical health during her cancer journey has made her stronger than ever.

    “There are so many hurdles to overcome with cancer, and you need support for both the physical and mental aspects. Dr. Eshed and the Texas Oncology team are like family. They saved my life and helped me fight to find the strength that I had inside.”

    Lorinda Wilks
    Endometrial Cancer
  • Linda Money

    Linda Money: For The Love Of Family

    Linda Money used “her heart” to get through her ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment – the love and encouragement of her family.

    “Something told me there was a reason to be concerned. I just knew something wasn’t right. I went to see my gynecologist and my test results were normal. I could have stopped there, but I listened to my instincts.”

    Linda Money
    Ovarian Cancer
  • Mike Downey

    Mike Downey: Fighting Cancer for the Ride of His Life

    With medical oncologist James Uyeki, M.D., at his side, bladder cancer patient Mike Downey used his cancer journey to rediscover the beauty of the people and places around him.

    “People should know they're not alone – especially at Texas Oncology, such a compassionate and brilliant group of oncology professionals that we’re blessed to have in Austin.”

    Mike Downey
    Bladder Cancer