After 52 years in the Retail industry (Department Stores, Jewelry and two of my own businesses), Karen and I decided to retire in Sarasota, a town we both enjoyed visiting and vacationing for many years. We moved to Sarasota in May 2013 and shortly after that I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and had surgery and Chemotherapy starting October 2013. Chemo lasted for 7 months and during that time I had the opportunity of experiencing and learning about Team Tony Volunteers and the wonderful work that they accomplish with Cancer patients. I began volunteering at FCS in the beginning in May of 2014 with my current, weekly volunteer program. It has been and continues to be one of the most satisfying "jobs" I've done in my life. The contact with Cancer patients, undergoing treatment, the highs, lows and the confusion involved has made this chapter of my life incredibly fulfilling. I look forward to every week working with [...]

About eight years ago, the end of 2007, my battle with brain cancer began; at first my physicians thought it was a cyst that needed to be drained but instead they were shocked to discover a tumor the size of an orange lodged in my cranium. Two weeks after this surgery, God brought a man into my life who would soon become my husband. We had our first date the day I got my staples removed at a Waffle House. Two months after we got married in 2009 I had my second brain surgery at Duke University, with a third up there in 2010. At that point, I suggested we try some kind of treatment and started chemo. I was on a very light chemo for a couple of years and then was considered stable for about a year before my tumor started growing again. Just this past January, I had my 4th brain surgery, following up with [...]

Ryan was diagnosed late September 2014 with an advanced stage brain tumor. We were devastated. Two days after brain surgery, Tony was at our door. He met with our family, tookthetime to get to know us, and genuinely cared for and took Ryan under his wing. Within a few weeks,therest oftheTeam Tony Foundation had become extended family. We have received assistance in countless ways through Team Tony, from another set of minds to problem solve and game plan with, to financial assistance, an all star treatment team referral, new friends who are walking this journey with us, and most of all: HOPE! I know for a fact withouttheresources provided so graciously by Team Tony, Ryan wouldn't be here today. We are forever grateful!

I met Tony when I bought a bike at Village Bikes in 2012. I did not know him very well, but sure knew his inspiring story. I started throat cancer treatments December 1, 2014. Radiation and chemo for 7 weeks. While at Florida Cancer Specialists, I saw the Team Tony volunteers and thought I would like to help when I'm better. It's been almost 5 months since my last treatment and I'm still dealing with the side effects but able to help others because of a good positive outlook. Thanks Team Tony for the opportunity to help others.

In August of 2013, my life was forever changed. What started as a severe headache, turned into an emergency room visit which then led to a diagnosis, Brain Cancer. The medical term Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, would be presented to me with a grim prognosis and few treatment options. At that time, surrounded by my extremely large family, I was not going to sit by and let this cancer win. I decided then and there that I was a fighter and I was going to win this battle! I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but after 6 weeks of chemo and radiation followed by an additional 14 months of chemotherapy, I am excited to say that my scans have been clean for 23 months! Through this journey I have met so many incredible people that are fighting, and winning, against this disease, Tony McEachern being one of them. Tony and I have spoke a lot about [...]