Dr. Stenzel notes that dogs persistently sniffed, licked and nipped at melanoma lesions on their owners’ skin, even through clothing, prompting the owners to identify the cancerous sites and seek care from clinicians.

A second opinion at Roswell Park led to an immunotherapy clinical trial that gave ovarian cancer patient Julia Falleti more time with her family.

"We hope that we can have an influence on bone pain caused by the myeloma; peripheral neuropathy; and the quality of life of patients, especially those in remission," says Dr. Hillengass.

Roswell Park is the only facility in Western New York that has both the technology and the expertise required to offer the treatment.

Dr. Fenstermaker says the technology has transformed the way he and other neurosurgeons perform surgeries and help their patients.

What matters most in terms of whether ovarian cancer will recur is the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and if all visible cancer was removed at the time of surgery.

“Experiencing Roswell Park’s tight-knit family is what compelled me to come back for a second year. Getting a thank you from a neighbor can really change your day.”

Dr. Clinton willingly traveled from Ohio to Buffalo every month, and sometimes more often, because the clinical trial “was the most advanced immunological treatment for my genetic type of cancer.

“Other than a shot once a month, I’m in no pain,“ Judi says. “Instead, I’ve already lived three years longer than I thought I would at the beginning of this diagnosis. I’m happy to be alive and feeling well, and one day, I hope to ring that Victory Bell at Roswell Park.”