Bob Keefe
Patient finds new meaning for heroism
Since my youth, I have wanted to be a hero and enjoyed a challenge. In May of 2000, I redefined my meaning of hero after being diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Born in 1932, I grew up during the Depression. I was 7 years old when my mother died, and I lived with various relatives while my father worked to support our family. I had one objective growing up: to work my way out of my situation. I began saving money for college when I was 8. I earned money by fishing old tires out of the Charles River, which I was able to sell for their aluminum and steel. I also mowed lawns in the summer and shoveled snow in the winter.
I played football in high school, and soon the sport meant everything to me. When I went to the University of New Hampshire, at 5'5" and 136 pounds, the coach thought I was too small to join a college team, but I was determined to play, anyway. I played on the varsity football team briefly, but had to stop in order to earn money for tuition.
The resilience I developed growing up has helped in my battle against GIST. Overcoming the hardships of the Depression and beating the odds on the football field are similar to my fight against cancer. There are ups and downs, but you should never give up. Run, walk, read, or do whatever helps you get through the tough days. Always compete to win, and you'll be better for it.
In my own battle with cancer, I have been blessed with a supportive family. During the early days of my treatment, it was comforting to have family members accompany me and help me digest the information I was given, including the specifics of a clinical trial I was fortunate to qualify for.
After one year of treatment in the trial, my tumor had shrunk enough to surgically remove any residual disease. I thought I had a clean bill of health, but six months later new tumors were discovered on my liver. My oncology team and I determined that joining another clinical trial, this time for a new chemotherapy drug, offered my best chance for beating the disease.
I am now 72 and have been fighting cancer for five years. Currently, I am in remission. I recognize the importance of cancer research and the work that is being done at Dana-Farber and other hospitals to combat the disease. Scientists are finding treatments that are prolonging the lives of cancer patients like me, and in some cases curing the disease. During my five years of treatment I have run a total of 1,200 miles to raise money for sarcoma research at Dana-Farber.
I also continue to support the UNH football team through the Cat Club, which provides financial assistance for the football program, and I am a frequent bench warmer at their games. I have never lost my enthusiasm for living. I feel better than I have in years, and I continue to remind my oncologist that I plan to live for a long time. The head nurse in my clinic once said to me, "Bob, you're my star."
