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Stories of Inspiration

Stories of survivors who've inspired us with their determination and hopeful spirit.

  • Sharon Beck

    Sharon Beck: A Lesson in Determination and Positivity

    Eighty-eight-year-old Sharon Beck, retired teacher and metastatic breast cancer patient, participated in a clinical trial for an investigational oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) and found success. Clinical trials provide access to leading-edge treatments, but older patients rarely choose to participate due to various factors. However, Sharon was willing to participate in a clinical trial. Her doctor, Dhatri Kodali, was amazed at her willingness to participate in the clinical trial and her incredible support system in her family. Sharon emphasizes the importance of research in cancer and clinical trials and would do it again if the opportunity presented itself.

    “It made sense that we were going to have to do something a little out of the ordinary since it’d spread throughout my body, but I was willing to do anything“

    Sharon Beck
    Breast Cancer
  • Veronica Laurel

    Veronica Laurel: Empowered Breast Cancer Survivor Chooses Her Path Forward

    Veronica Laurel's breast self-examination led to a Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer diagnosis in January 2020. Despite facing the unknowns of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and losing weight as a result of a healthier lifestyle, Veronica opted for a simple mastectomy without breast reconstruction, used online communities for emotional support, and is now part of a growing community of women called “For The Breast of Us.”

    “I am still learning how to manage the change, but when confronted with a cancer diagnosis, it makes you realize how precious time is. I am cherishing every moment of that time.“

    Veronica Laurel
    Breast Cancer
  • Mike Flanagan

    Mike Flanagan: Acting Teacher’s Character Shines Through Following Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

    Mike Flanagan had just landed a professorship in Houston to help shape young actors when he was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Most meaningful to Mike, was how the team at Texas Oncology designed his treatment schedule so he could stay in the classroom and live his life at home too. With his cancer fight ongoing, Mike has a positive attitude and knows it is okay to not always be brave and strong.

    “ Colorectal cancer shouldn’t be a taboo subject. The more open and willing to talk about your experience you are, the more can be done for you, and the more you can do to process it.“

    Mike Flanagan
    Colon Cancer
  • Jay Jaszkowski

    Jay Jaszkowski: Combining Surgery and a Sense of Humor To Fight Cancer

    Jay Jaszkowski is convinced his sense of humor and outgoing personality helped him get through a diagnosis of paranasal sinus cancer, a rare cancer that affects the nasal cavity and the sinuses. The tumor in Jay's nasal cavity was so large his entire nose had to be removed. He felt disfigured and isolated, but after receiving a prosthesis, his life was transformed. Cancer-free for more than a year, Jay has not lost his sense of humor and is an inspiration for others with missing body parts and deformed limbs.

    “I just couldn’t believe I had cancer. I know everybody says that, but I could not believe it.”

    Jay Jaszkowski
    Nasal Cancer
  • Donna Tally

    Donna Tally: Finding Purpose in Beating Cervical Cancer

    Donna Tally is a fast-moving mother of four who puts the needs of her children before her own. However, when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, Donna turned inward and found her purpose though cancer survivorship: advocating for cervical cancer screenings and promoting awareness among women like her.

    “I’m so thankful to Texas Oncology, that these doctors, radiologists, nurses, etc. give their lives to help people and do it with a smile on their face. They make the patient feel seen and understood.”

    Donna Tally
    Cervical Cancer
  • Sydney Townsend

    Sydney Townsend: New Mom Up for the Fight Against Leukemia

    New mom Sydney Townsend thought her aches and pains were typical postpartum issues. It turned out she had advanced leukemia. With boxing as a part of her normal fitness routine, Sydney was up for the fight.

    “ I felt confident that the treatment I was getting was the best available, and that it was right here at home, and those two things together: powerful.“

    Sydney Townsend
    Leukemia
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