Life Beyond Cancer

Four Cancer Survivors Share Their Inspiring Experiences

Story by Rod Drake and Jennifer McDonnell
Photography by Karen Johnson and Patrick Wirtz

Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) has a team of the very best oncologists, researchers and scientists who have dedicated their work to one goal: reducing the burden of cancer. However, one of the strongest weapons in the fight against cancer is the strong personal will of the patients. Here, four NVCI survivors share their personal and inspiring stories about their battles and their experiences at NVCI.

Tony Crispino

Tony Crispino, 45, describes himself as a “proactive” patient, and he encourages others to do the same.

Diagnosed with Stage 3B prostate cancer at the end of 2006, Tony turned to the Internet to learn everything he could about cancer and treatment. After surgery, he began coming to NVCI and is now under the care of NVCI physicians.

“I’ve been a part of the NVCI family since March of last year, and I have had an outstanding experience,” Tony said. “From my perspective, the people are just so wonderful, from the doctors all the way to the volunteers.”

Tony wants to give back to NVCI, but given his full-time work status, he doesn’t have much time to devote. What he has done is turn to the Internet, documenting and sharing his cancer journey with the world through blogs and websites.

“I stay online with those who are newly diagnosed or in advanced stages, and do whatever I can to let them know that there is life after cancer,” he said.

In fact, Tony said he is more active now than before being diagnosed. During his treatment phase, he walked three miles a day. Today he not only continues that regimen, he also plays outdoor sports and tours the Southwest in his RV with wife Ruth.

To read about Tony’s cancer journey, log on to www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonycrispino