Patient Stories

Gale’s Story of Courage and Community

A journey from Raton to hope in Santa Fe – facing terminal cancer with grace

At 73 years old, Gale drives 168 miles from Raton, New Mexico to Santa Fe for cancer treatment. What started as blood in his urine in January 2023 led to a complex cancer journey involving bladder cancer, metastasis to bone cancer, and ongoing immunotherapy treatments. Yet when you sit with Gale, what strikes you isn’t his medical challenges; it’s his unwavering determination to make each day count.

“This is terminal, but it’s not terminal today,” Gale reflects with remarkable clarity. “So I just keep going with the idea that, hey, God gave me another day and I’m going to live it.”

A Journey of Courage
Gale’s path began with his primary care physician in Raton, who immediately recognized the urgency of his symptoms. Within hours, he had a CT scan revealing a bladder tumor. What followed was a series of treatments: BCG immunotherapy, tumor removal surgery, and ultimately a complex procedure in Colorado to remove his bladder, prostate, and most of his urethra.
Just when he thought the worst was behind him, new pain in his hip led to another devastating discovery: the cancer had metastasized to his bones. Today, Gale continues his fight with monthly immunotherapy treatments at Nexus Health in Santa Fe.

Through it all, his advice remains grounded in wisdom: “Trust in your care team, believe that tomorrow will be there, and know your body better than anyone else, but you have to tell the medical team what you’re experiencing.”

The Foundation’s Impact: More Than Financial Support
When a staff member at his oncologist’s office first mentioned the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico, Gale didn’t realize how transformative that moment would be. The Foundation now covers his travel expenses, overnight lodging, and meals during treatment visits.
“I don’t have to choose between my usual expenses and the expenses to get my treatment,” Gale explains. “The mental reinforcement is tremendous.”
But for Gale, the Foundation’s support goes beyond dollars and cents. It’s about dignity and peace of mind. “Knowing that financial assistance is there, that you can make the trip and those expenses are covered, you don’t have that on your mind about how am I going to make this work?”

A Message to Our Community
Sitting in the infusion center during his treatments, Gale has met many fellow cancer patients. He’s witnessed remarkable resilience and heartbreaking struggles. This perspective shapes his message to potential supporters:
“From my perspective, there would be no better cause. Don’t look at it as helping individuals here and there; pick out one person and realize it’s about people. The value of a dollar is extremely helpful, but on the mental aspect of knowing you don’t have to choose between providing for your needs at home and getting treatment, it compounds the value of that dollar tremendously.”

Living Each Day Fully
Gale acknowledges he can’t do everything he once could, but chooses to focus on what remains possible. “I prefer to dwell on what I can do rather than what I cannot do.”
His approach to his diagnosis is refreshingly honest: “A lot of my friends are already gone. I’ve already done pretty well… I certainly can’t complain about ‘poor me, this is going to kill me.’”
This isn’t denial; it’s acceptance paired with determination. It’s the spirit that drives him to share his story, hoping others facing similar battles might find strength in his words.

Strength & Advocacy 

aniele Ruley was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the Stanford University Cancer Center, leading to a complete thyroid removal and radioactive iodine treatment. Struggling with synthetic thyroid medication, she moved to Santa Fe for family support.

After experiencing insomnia, Daniele’s CT scan revealed two suspicious lung masses, leading to a diagnosis of two different types of lung cancer. Genetic testing uncovered Lee-Fraumeni Syndrome, a condition with a 90% lifetime cancer risk. Her diagnosis was confirmed at UNM after
initial disbelief.

Daniele underwent a lobectomy to remove her upper left lung lobe and opted for radiation on her right lung, facilitated by MD Anderson in Houston due to local treatment limitations. The Cancer Foundation provided travel to treatment, ensuring she could access this specialized care. She also experienced a seizure, which, though not cancer-related, added to her health challenges.

In addition to travel assistance, the Cancer Foundation supported Daniele with grocery assistance and emergency financial help, alleviating some financial burdens due to medical bills. Despite financial strain, Daniele has found emotional support from her family and community. She actively shares her story to raise awareness about Lee-Fraumeni syndrome and continues to engage with support networks.

“Cancer caused me to lose my job, my house, and I can no longer support myself. The Cancer Foundation has literally fed and supported me.”

Daniele Ruley’s journey, from her thyroid cancer diagnosis to managing Lee-Fraumeni Syndrome, highlights her resilience and determination. Daniele advocates for herself and others, raising awareness and fostering resilience in the face
of adversity.

The resilient spirit of Paulyette Perea: A journey through poetry and strength 

In Las Vegas, NM, Paulyette Perea embarks on a long journey to Santa Fe every week. This trek is not one of leisure but of necessity, as she receives treatment at the Christus Cancer Center. Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the tender age of 32 on December 22, 2022, Paulyette’s life took an unexpected turn towards a path filled with challenges, determination, and hope.

The ordeal began with an unusual cough and a sensation in her neck, leading to a series of medical consultations that culminated in a diagnosis that would change her life. Despite the shock and fear, Paulyette found solace and strength in her faith and the memory of her mother, who had previously battled cancer. She believes in the protective presence of her mother as a guardian angel, guiding her through the darkest moments.

Paulyette’s treatment plan was aggressive, reflecting the nature of triple negative breast cancer. She underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by an additional four, embodying resilience and positivity throughout. Her journey is not just about the physical battles but also about mental and emotional fortitude. Inspired by her mother’s unwavering positivity, Paulyette adopted a similar outlook, viewing her treatment as a source of healing rather than harm.

Amidst the trials, Paulyette found a powerful outlet for expression and connection through poetry. Her words became a bridge, connecting her experiences with those of others and offering comfort and understanding. She shares a poignant piece that captures the essence of her journey, reflecting on the pain, the fight, and the hope that define her path. The poem speaks of resilience in the face of adversity, the longing for healing, and the strength found in faith and love.

Paulyette’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive despite the most daunting challenges. Her journey reminds us that no one fights alone, and in the darkest moments, shared stories and expressions of support can light the way forward. Through her poetry, Paulyette continues to inspire, offering a message of courage, unity, and hope to all those navigating their battles.

As she faces each day with determination, Paulyette Perea embodies the power of positivity, the strength of faith, and the transformative nature of creative expression. Her journey and words stand as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging us all to find our voices and strength, no matter the obstacles we face.

David is a musician from Taos Pueblo who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in January, 2019. “I am so blessed to have undergone my life saving treatment at the Regional Cancer Center. Everyone —and I mean everyone— at the institute has made my experience there so wonderful. It made me hopeful and feel seriously cared about. The staff and volunteers across the board are beautiful. What wonderful and positive attitudes. To me, this is one of the main reasons that I went from a diagnosis in January of stage 4 metastatic cancer to a full recovery of just a couple of tiny dots as of mid-June. I feel totally blessed to be treated there and have so much gratitude for you people.

Blueflower is a member of the Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was determined to fight the disease with every tool available to her: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

“I couldn’t let everyone down,” she says, especially her supportive husband and four wonderful children, mother, and extended family, all of whom were with her every step of the way.

In addition to being unable to work during treatment, Blueflower had to travel from Ohkay Owingeh to Santa Fe. Sometimes she would get to treatment without enough gas to get home.

“The mileage reimbursement and grocery cards were critical,” Blueflower said. “And the Foundation provided help so quickly.”

Joel K. is a carpenter from Pojoaque. In May of 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer which required seven weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.

“Fear of financial insecurity was incredibly stressful, as I wasn’t able to work during treatment. The Cancer Foundation really helped relieve that fear. I have been able to go through treatment stress-free and was able to focus on treatment and recovery. Thank you to all of you who support the Cancer Foundation. It made a big difference to me.”