Former Nurse Credits Moffitt for Saving Her Life Twice
As a former teacher turned nurse, Casiana Hilton has always wanted to help others. Now at 82, she continues to make a difference as an active donor at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Moffitt’s mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer holds a special place in Hilton’s heart for a reason: She is a cancer survivor.
Hilton was living in Sarasota when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her doctor referred her to Moffitt.
“Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis,” Hilton said. “It can be a death sentence while you still breathe. The possibility of death becomes concrete, and only the love of your family, friends and your own inner strength can take you away from that mirage.”
Susan Hoover, MD, a surgical oncologist at Moffitt specializing in breast cancer, helped ease her fears by creating an encouraging treatment plan, which included chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.
“It was a long and painful journey, but a journey filled with hope, knowing that I had a whole team of oncology experts behind me,” Hilton said.
Two years after her breast cancer diagnosis, surveillance detected a cancerous nodule in her left lung. Due to early detection, Jacques Fontaine, MD, a surgical oncologist in Moffitt’s Thoracic Oncology Department successfully removed the nodule.
Hilton has now been in remission for 10 years. “Thanks to God and Moffitt, I am alive,” she said. “Moffitt is such a caring place. It’s a place where the culture of compassion permeates all staff, from doctors to the valet.”
In honor of World Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for the disease, Hilton will be matching donations made to Moffitt. Learn more or make a gift here.
