Cancer Treatment Centers of America patient Phil Bosanko Receives Unsung Hero Award from Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

DATE RELEASED: 12/14/07

December 13, 2007 – Zion, Illinois – Retired firefighter, fundraiser, humanitarian, devoted husband and caregiver; Phil Bosanko is a hero on many levels.  But it was his fight with colon cancer, his positive can-do attitude, his unwavering work ethic, model attendance, volunteerism and total contribution to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during his ongoing fight with cancer that won him the “Unsung Hero Award” from TSA, his employer in Wisconsin.

“I’m one of the guys that takes away your scissors at the airport,” said a beaming Phil Bosanko.  “But I do it with a smile.  It’s not fun for anyone so I work very hard to make it as easy as possible on the travelers, especially during the holidays,” he said.

In May 2006, Bosanko was told that his cancer had spread and that his prognosis was not good.  He postponed his surgery, opting to spend possibly his “last” Memorial Day with his friends and family.  Bosanko had the surgery to remove his colon and set out to get a second opinion regarding treatment options at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois.  “Funny thing was that I was never given a time limit at CTCA,” said Bosanko.  “But I was given hope and I was given a commitment that they’d fight with me. I chose to fight.”

It wasn’t easy.  Bosanko began a standard chemotherapy regimen and intra-arterial chemotherapy directly to his liver, every 28 days for five days in a row.   His personalized, comprehensive treatment plan called for both nutritional and naturopathic support.  Bosanko also works with and counsels other cancer patients to encourage them through their fight.  “I learned many things at Cancer Treatment Centers of America about how to stay strong during the fight.  My team helped me manage the side effects from treatment. There are so many things you can do and I pass that along to all of my friends battling cancer,” he said.

Bosanko continued to work throughout his treatment.  “TSA was very supportive.”  Bosanko was able to work at headquarters and rarely missed work.

“What amazed me throughout Phil’s period of illness were his continuous and untiring efforts to help someone else or other people,” said Milwaukee’s Federal Security Director Louis Traverzo.   “That attribute speaks volumes of his personal character, making him a hero for our workforce, as well as for me personally.  The recognition he received in Washington DC at the Annual TSA Honorary Incentive Awards Ceremony is reflective of how all of TSA feels about Phil,” he said.

By August 2006, Bosanko was able to get back to work with “part-time restrictions” which included working, organizing the 5th annual 9-11 Tribute at his home, a light show honoring fallen firefighters.  He and his brothers held the Bosanko Brothers Burn Camp of Wisconsin, raising more than $16,000 for children, ages seven to 17, who have been burned in a fire.  He developed a Cancer information Book for Federal Screeners and staff which included definitions, websites, 800 numbers, information by cancer type and most importantly, a telephone number to reach Phil Bosanko 24/7, in case someone needed help or support. 

Bosanko continued an aggressive chemotherapy regimen through August 2007 and rarely missed work.  His desire to give back and serve others continued to grow with his most recent commitment to veterans. Bosanko participated in the “Fishing with the Vets” program where he assisted in coordinating a fishing expedition that took 38 disabled veterans on a fishing excursion in Wisconsin.

It has been approximately 18 months since Bosanko heard those terrifying words, and he has impacted thousands of lives, modeling the words of the wise, ‘it’s not what happens to you, but how you respond.’  “If I can encourage one person facing a cancer battle, that is my mission,” said Bosanko.  “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do, I’ll prove you wrong,” he said.  “Yes I’ve had my bad days, but I like to say – put the “smile mask on” and get on with it – your family and friends need to see you out and about,”  he concluded.   Folks in Wisconsin can see Bosanko “out and about” in one of his countless charity efforts giving back.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Founded in 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a network of cancer treatment hospitals and community oncology programs in Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Washington – with a future location in Arizona scheduled to open in early 2009.  CTCA provides a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment model that fully integrates conventional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with scientifically-supported complementary therapies such as nutrition, naturopathic medicine, psychological counseling, physical therapy and spiritual support to meet the special, whole-person needs of cancer patients with complex and advanced-stage disease.  CTCA encourages patients and their families to participate in treatment decisions through its Patient Empowerment Medicine^SM model.  For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.