Legacy of Courage

Moffitt Cancer Center is grateful for those who have generously shared their stories to uplift and inspire others.
In honor of their journey and the impact they have had on others, their presence remains, with the permission of their loves ones. 

Dan

Volumes have been written about the power of positivity in battling cancer. Dan could add his own chapter. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2014, he was sent to Moffitt Cancer Center for a second opinion. The eternal optimist, he found strength in regular phone calls to his wife Donna, and also to his two children and his siblings, all of whom lived outside Florida.

In 2016, Dan was named The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man of the Year." During this time, Dan, his supporters, and his team members raised an incredible amount for LLS in the effort to eliminate blood cancer.

Patty

As Patty’s cancer progressed, she surveyed her to-do list. Together with her sister and four friends, they executed her 20-year quest to travel the legendary Route 66—an incredible journey that stretched eight days and 2,400 miles, staying in quirky motels and meeting amazing people. Some were fighting their own battles, yet were quick to offer hugs and support as they shared their stories.

“I’ve got three children,” Patty said, “and I thought, ‘If I’m going out, I’m going out with an attitude so they remember it.’”

Mariela

Moffitt urologic surgeon Dr. Julio Pow-Sang has a very personal experience with cancer. His sister, Mariela, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and became a patient at Moffitt. Her diagnosis gave him a new perspective on cancer and patient care. Mariela flew to Tampa from Peru for her treatments and checkups. Dr. Pow-Sang remembers how she always found the strength to maintain a positive attitude. 

"My sister passed away after four years of fighting a battle with cancer. She did it with courage and grace. We were blessed to share the last few years with her and the rest of the family. We were also fortunate to have Moffitt by our side all the way to the end."

Diana

Genetics played a role in Diana’s ovarian cancer. She completed genetic testing and learned she carried the BRCA mutation, which elevates the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer.

Armed with this new information, Diana became a cancer advocate. She took to social media to educate others about the importance of researching your family history and getting genetic testing.

“No matter how small the symptoms are, you need to be your own advocate,” Diana said.

Theresa

Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy passed away in April 2022 after a recurrent bout with breast cancer. She was 41. Her legacy remains an inspiration.

“Tenacious Theresa” had become a breast cancer advocate after learning that inflammatory breast cancer is more prevalent in African-American women. Many women may not recognize the different symptoms.

“There is a need for more information, especially for African-American women about this particular breast cancer,” Theresa said.