texas oncology more breakthroughs. more victories
Request an Appointment

Stories of Inspiration

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

  • Nell Nations

    Nell Nations: Using Art to Bring Hope to the Cancer Community

    Nell Nations, a local artist, has served as the chief radiation therapist at Texas Oncology for over 17 years. However, two years ago, she became a patient herself within the very walls where she worked. Today, a colon cancer survivor, Nell uses her artistic talents to bring hope to cancer patients in the Wichita Falls community.

    “It is my hope that my artwork will bring joy and hope to future cancer patients, caregivers, and the Wichita Falls community.”

    Nell Nations
    Colon Cancer
  • Mark Balderas

    Mark Balderas: How Family and Faith Gave Him the Strength To Fight

    In 2016, Mark Balderas bought himself a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle which he named ‘Priscilla.’ The very next day, he was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer. Six years later, Mark credits his family, faith, and Hareesha Vemuganti, M.D., at Texas Oncology–Round Rock North for fueling his fight against cancer and the opportunity to finally take ‘Priscilla’ out on the road.

    “Cancer was not what I expected going in. It was a real shock. Thankfully, with the prayers and support of my family, as well as my team at Texas Oncology who understood what I was going through, I knew I was going to get through this.”

    Mark Balderas
    Renal Cancer
  • Steve Dombek

    Steve Dombek: An Unbreakable Spirit

    Steve Dombek’s relentless optimism and unbreakable spirit carried him through a double diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis and multiple myeloma. Through his business – UnbreakableATX – and with the support of his physicians, family, friends, and The Flatwater Foundation, Steve inspires others by sharing his story, and giving back to the very foundation that assisted him and his daughter throughout his cancer journey.

    “Unbreakable is my mantra, motto, or mindset for anyone going through a tough time. It reminds us that you/we/they got this, are strong, can persevere, believe, and are unbreakable.”

    Steve Dombek
    Multiple Myeloma
  • Emily Robinson

    Emily Robinson: A Mantra to Keep Moving Forward

    When Emily Robinson was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014, she focused on the mantra that would power her through her cancer journey – “I got this.” Now, eight years later, Emily approaches life with the same “I got this” mentality and advocates for the importance of colonoscopies and proactively listening to one’s body.

    “For cancer or any kind of illness, if your body is telling you something, listen. Ask for that test because you need to know for sure.”

    Emily Robinson
    Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer
  • Bren Doreck

    Bren Doreck: The Battle of a Lifetime

    Texas native and former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bren Doreck is no stranger to embracing the unknown; he faces challenges head on. At the age of 39, he went from fighting for his country to fighting for his life.

    “I don’t think I could have had a better doctor, honestly. He had a whole plan laid out.”

    Bren Doreck
    Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Brooke Bott

    Brooke Bott: Keeping Her Joy as She Battled Leukemia

    Brooke Bott received the news of her diagnosis while attending her cousin’s birthday party. A fight with acute lymphocytic leukemia “ALL” behind her, she’s going to be a part of this cousin’s wedding – because she keeps going.

    “Even though I was going through something really difficult, I still smiled my way through it.”

    Brooke Bott
    Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Child ALL)