One day in 1955, Dr. James Grace’s two-year-old son, Jimmy, spiked a fever of 105°. It was the first sign that the little boy had acute leukemia — a fast-moving disease that in those days had no hope of a cure. When his son died only a few months later, Dr. Grace converted his pain to passion.

Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and other cancer treatments can be hard on your body. Fortunately, making healthy food choices can help cancer patients feel better before, during and after treatment.

“My first thought was that the news wasn’t real. I remember thinking there was no way I could have cancer. It doesn’t run in my family and everyone told me I’m too young,” says Racine.

Although each tribe has its own unique history and culture, one thing all Native Americans have in common is an increased risk of cancer and other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

With stereotactic body radiotherapy, we can intensify treatment with less overall radiation exposure and fewer treatments. For the patient, this means improved convenience and quality of life and reduced costs, especially beneficial for patients who do not live nearby.

As we celebrate the 120th anniversary of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, we recognize that what we have accomplished would have been impossible without the financial support of our community.