Peggy Romes’ son Mark battled cancer for 14 years. His hard-fought journey took the family north to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, south to Vanderbilt in Nashville and across Kentucky to Norton Hospital in Louisville, where he lived at the time of his diagnosis, for treatments, consultations, surgeries and clinical trials. Though he did not receive cancer treatment at St. Elizabeth, Mark was cared for at St. Elizabeth Hospice as his kidneys shut down from the many years of chemotherapy he had so valiantly endured, with his battle ending just a month after his 43rd birthday in the shadow of the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center. The experience ignited a passion in Mark’s mother to support cancer care, particularly the region’s leading center that was ascending in her own community. “Words can’t express how important this is to me,” Peggy said. “I don’t want anyone to go through what Mark did. Although I am unable to give large amounts of money, my hope is that when combined with other donations and funds, we can make a collective impact. Cancer is a horrible disease, and I only wish so many people like Mark didn’t suffer for so long, only to lose the battle in the end — especially at such an early age. The Cancer Center will make a huge difference in the lives of people in our region. It gives me such hope for the future of cancer treatment in our area.” why i give A young Mark Sanford celebrating the holiday season. Peggy Romes After undergoing a routine MRI for kidney stones, Burr Travis learned he had several masses on his ribs and spleen. A PET scan and biopsy followed, confirming a malignancy. Travis had metastatic melanoma. He was quickly referred to St. Elizabeth medical oncologist Dr. Daniel Flora, who started him on immunotherapy as a first-line treatment. Today, Travis is cancer-free, but continues treatment to maintain remission. “I was very confident in St. Elizabeth being able to help me,” said Travis. “I felt good about where I was. It’s a first-class place, and they treat you first class.” His experience inspired him to join the St. Elizabeth Foundation Samaritan Society with a contribution of $25,000 to the Cancer Center. “I am blessed to have a second chance, and I know the Cancer Center will offer that same hope and promise to many others in our community and beyond.” why i give Burr Travis 21 CANCER CENTER CAMPAIGN REPORT
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