Robert Roberts, a successful financial banker, was experiencing stomach pains daily, leading to a diagnosis of Stage 4 stomach cancer. It had spread through his waist and up to his chin, leaving him with three months to live. That was four years ago.

His physician, Dr. Veena Fauble of Mayo Clinic, says, “I’ve known Robert a long time. He has always been positive. He never gave up and takes things as they come.” Roberts underwent 18 rounds of chemotherapy, pulled through 15 surgeries, and came out cancer-free after two stem cell transplants, which were accompanied by various side effects and a brief cancer relapse. In addition to Dr. Fauble, who Roberts says “wouldn’t let me give up,” he also boasts about his son Christopher, who gave him a place to reside during the four-year battle; his 24/7 caregiver and girlfriend, Peggy; and his sister, Patty, for her support. And staying strong for his 11-year-old daughter, Taylor, kept his spirits high. Roberts has a pay-it-forward attitude and believes volunteering with his church community and giving support to other cancer patients has kept him uplifted. “Early detection is crucial for cancer diagnosing, and you need three things to make it: a good hospital, good caregivers and a good doctor. Be ready to fight. Overcome the failures. Those four years was when I learned what depression really is, but I wanted to come out on top to prove to everyone and to myself I could do it.” Roberts plans to continue his positive outlook through his physical therapy and three upcoming surgeries for “post-cancer clean-up.” He eventually hopes to return to his job at the bank. 

Story by Samantha Giunta