Father’s Day Reflections

Damon with his father, Tom

Damon Kline lost his father to cancer, and is riding to find a cure through the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer. In this blog, he shares with us a glimpse into the life of his father, Tom, and why he's dedicated to supporting the Abramson Cancer Center. Learn more about his ride here.

My Dad, Tom Kline, was diagnosed with sarcoma in December of 2012. Throughout the year that followed, he underwent 300 hours of chemotherapy, a major surgery to remove his lung, months of radiation treatment, countless procedures, and more hospital stays than I can remember – all at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Every day brought new obstacles and difficult decisions, which he met head on and without hesitation. Growing up, I always thought my Dad was the strongest, bravest, most fearless man in the world. Years later, as he ferociously battled a disease that weakened him physically, he still proved to be the bravest man I have ever known. He was, and forever will be, my hero.

My Dad lost a hard-fought fight with cancer this past January. He was just 54 years old. He left behind a loving wife, three devoted children, and 2 adoring granddaughters. He passed away just a few weeks before the birth of his third granddaughter and first grandson. He was an incredible family man, and I try every day to be the kind of father to my two children that he was to me, my brother, and my sister. With the support of my family, I will honor my Dad’s legacy by participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer this October.

Throughout the ups and downs of my Dad’s illness, we never once heard any of his doctors say there was no hope or that there was nothing they could do. New obstacles or unforeseen setbacks were met with resolve, as they tried new methods and different approaches to cure him. The doctors at Penn were intensely dedicated to my Dad’s treatment and care, and their determination helped give our family strength during a time of great uncertainty and fear. We are forever grateful to the incredible doctors at Penn who did everything they possibly could for our Dad until the very end.

I don't know if I will see a cure for cancer in my lifetime, but I am convinced that there are still great advances to be made in the treatment and prevention of cancer. With research, studies and trials from dedicated doctors like those at Penn Medicine, we can continue to diagnose patients earlier than ever before, to expand the available treatment options and to change the prognosis of cancer patients. Since February, we have raised over $11,000 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the Abramson Cancer Center. Funding like this will help fuel this much needed research.

Statistics say that one of my Dad's four grandchildren will develop cancer in their lifetime. This is our chance to help them now. After everything my family has been through, we feel a responsibility to do everything we can to help advance the progress of cancer treatment and prevention. I hope you will consider getting involved, either by riding or donating. Together, we can help spare someone else’s family the pain caused by this terrible illness and preserve the memory of fathers like mine, who left this world too soon.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer®

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer® (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.

At two days and 150* miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—an emotional and inspiring weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

*please note: exact route mileage may vary by up to 30 miles

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Celebrating Father's Day With Stories of Hope

Father's Day is Sunday, and to celebrate all the men and fathers in our lives who are cancer survivors, we are sharing stories from fathers and sons.

If you are a father, or have a man in your life you'd like to honor this Father's Day, please join us on our Facebook page, and share your own words of inspiration.

"Forever filled with gratitude."

Frank McKee, Jr., talks about what it was like to watch his father overcome prostate cancer with proton therapy at Penn.

I’ll never forget the moment my dad told me he had prostate cancer. I was leaving work, getting ready to get in my car when he called. There was something ominous about his voice that told me I shouldn’t start the car – that I was about to hear some news that would affect me deeply.

He told me he had prostate cancer, and that it was found very early. He sounded calm and collected as he told me he was researching treatments for prostate cancer and had a good chance of overcoming cancer.

Despite his optimism, my heart began to sink. His diagnosis would forever change my world.

Read more of Frank's story here.
 

"I have found a major way to give back and educate others about this disease."

John Turino was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1996. A South Jersey resident, John is married with a son and is chairperson of the tri-state chapter of the Colon Cancer Alliance.

My story begins on May 15, 1996. I was experiencing extreme pain on my left side. I was sent to a radiologist for a barium enema, and X-ray to look at my colon, but the liquid was unable to pass through. A tumor had blocked off the descending colon and broken the membrane. The CT scan confirmed that I had colon cancer.

Read more from John here.  

"How do I tell my children? Their father’s mortality would suddenly jump out at them."

Robert Lustig, MD, is professor of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, prostate cancer survivor and proton therapy patient. In this blog, he discusses his diagnosis, and how difficult it was to tell his kids he had cancer.

A few years ago I went to the urologist for a problem unrelated to my prostate. I was not at all concerned about prostate cancer as my prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was less than 1.

While my presenting problem was minor, the urologist felt a scar on my prostate and recommended a biopsy. Two days after the biopsy, I read the diagnosis, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).

Read more about Dr. Lustig's inspirational story here. 

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