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Health & Fitness

Brain Cancer Survivor's Story Inspires Many - Including his Doctors

"I don't take anything for granted," John Franco, Palo Alto Medical Foundation patient says of his experience with cancer.

Working in health care communications, I get to share patient stories that are always authentic, often moving, and sometimes deeply inspirational. Here’s a story about a local man, young father, husband and friend to many, named John Franco, a Palo Alto Medical Foundation patient, who is the epitome of inspirational.

When John developed a splitting headache three years ago, he never imagined this would be the start of a years-long odyssey. You can read his story and watch a short video on the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s health blog.

John has undergone challenging rounds of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and even a clinical trial of a new treatment regimen. Since May 2010, John has kept up a thorough and varied complementary cancer care therapy calendar of activities: healing touch massage therapy, nutrition counseling, meditation and herbal medicine.

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John’s positive attitude and strength have been inspirational for all the Palo Alto Medical Foundation staff members who have treated him, according to PAMF radiation oncology specialist Gordon Ray, M.D.

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to treat John,” said Dr.  Ray. “His ability to complete a rigorous course of treatment is a model for all of us on how to deal with adversity in life.”

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“I don’t take anything for granted and find happiness in the little things in life that present themselves on a daily basis,” John says.

Watch John’s moving story in his own words.

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