Ray Stricker is a hard working man, a careful man. The 49-year-old resident of Akron likes to investigate and research any new enterprise. When he has an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004, he used those qualities to his advantage. Some prostate cancer patients find deciding which treatment - surgery, "watchful waiting," hormones, brachytherapy - to be very difficult. But, Ray was methodical. He researched his possible treatments, underwent two biopsies and sought out several second opinions including one at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. "I really did my homework on this and I knew Roswell Park was the right place for me," he recalls.

Ray was among the first 100 patients in Western New York to be treated with surgical robotics, a sophisticated tool that combines the latest advances in robotics with computer technology. Robot-assisted surgery is a less invasive option for many prostate cancer patients.

"With traditional surgery, I was looking at six days in the hospital and several months away from work. With the robot surgery, I was out of the hospital the following day, mowing my grass on my tractor later that week and returned to work in three weeks," Ray boasts. This mechanical supervisor at Oden Corporation says choosing the surgical robot was a "no brainer."

"In any situation I try to surround myself with the best people possible to achieve the best possible result. I believe Roswell Park to be the best and that's why I chose this hospital for my treatment," Ray commented.

Ray says the most difficult part of facing his cancer diagnosis was how it impacted his friends and family. Although the news was devastating to his 85-year-old mother, she was a great source of strength at the time. "Unfortunately she died earlier this year and I truly miss her," says Ray. An understanding employer, wonderful friends and family offered support and strength during that difficult time.

Ray knows there is a chance his cancer may return someday. So for now, he is closely monitored by his physicians and follows their advice to the letter.           

Ray's message of hope for the holiday's: "The key to making life work is to take a negative and make it a positive. Find success and joy in every single day and enjoy friends and family to the fullest."