Colorectal Cancer Survivor Bob North of Grand Rapids
Celebrates Life® At Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
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Joins Fellow Five-Year Cancer Survivors in Tree-Planting Ceremony
Zion, Illinois – June 5, 2009 – Bob North returned to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in suburban Chicago today to celebrate his more than five years as a colorectal cancer survivor. North was joined by doctors, hospital administration and the clinical support team in a tree-planting ceremony in his honor. Five doves were released at the conclusion of the event to commemorate his fighting survival.
North, 63 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver after going to the doctor to address a feeling of unusual fatigue. After receiving some treatment locally, North opted to get a second opinion. His wife, Stella, had recently attended a local seminar about integrative medicine and advanced treatment options at CTCA in Zion, Illinois. “It took a bit of coaxing because of the travel, but he knew a second opinion was important,” said Stella, North’s caregiver and wife of 41 years.
Shortly thereafter, the North’s traveled the more than 225 miles to CTCA in Zion. “We ended up being so impressed with what we saw and heard, that we decided to come to CTCA for treatments,” he said.
North’s treatment plan at CTCA consisted of surgery, a combination of chemotherapy drugs delivered in fractionated doses and intra-arterial chemotherapy, which delivered the drug directly to his liver. “What I liked best was that that my nutritionist, naturopath, mind-body therapist and a chaplain would take turns coming to see me while I was getting my chemotherapy,” North said.
Now, as a cancer survivor of five years, North’s advice to other patients is clear, “You need a positive attitude. If you don’t have a positive attitude, you’re fighting two battles instead of one.”
The North’s are enjoying their retirement, spending as much time with their seven grandchildren as they can. In the warm summer months, they enjoy camping, fishing and gardening.
North remarks ‘how sweet it is’ that “I’m alive today and have been so blessed to have Stella at my side.”
This year, 104 CTCA patients are celebrating their five-year triumph over cancer at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. “At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we surround each patient with a multidisciplinary care team that is designed to meet their individual needs,” said Anne Meisner, president and CEO at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. “Our team provides state of the art treatment protocols with fully integrated complementary therapies. We empower our patients to help them take control of their cancer and every patient is treated as though they were a member of our own family. We are so proud of our celebrants and honored to acknowledge and celebrate their journey and continued success,” she added.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrative approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with advanced cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.
