As a volunteer firefighter, Dale knows that responding quickly to the unexpected can save lives. So when he woke up from a routine tonsil surgery to learn that his doctor had found cancer, Dale wasted no time in meeting with Ron Sapiente, MD, – a radiation oncologist at Carle Cancer Center.
Just as fighting fires requires the proper equipment, Dr. Sapiente explained the basics of Carle Cancer Center’s advanced radiation technology that could precisely target cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. He also went out of his way to answer all of Dale’s questions, and told him that beating cancer was about having the right attitude.
While going through radiation, Dale lost his ability to taste and close to thirty pounds, but he never lost sight of his goals. After his experience with cancer, Dale says that he has a different outlook on life and people see that difference in him.
Whether it’s training new firefighters or simply enjoying life, Dale leads by example and displays the power of maintaining a positive attitude. Thanks to those who helped him, Dale is back to helping others.