COURAGEOUS JOURNEYS

Patient Stories of Hope and Healing

Voices of courage and resilience shine brightly. Here, you’ll find inspiring narratives and touching quotes from patients who have embarked on their cancer journey with us through participation in clinical trials.

Scroll to Read More

David’s Story - START Midwest

The Faces of START

These stories are testaments to the power of hope, the strength of community, and the promise of novel treatments. From moments of uncertainty to triumphs of resilience, each story showcases the unwavering spirit of our patients and the transformative impact of innovative therapies. Explore these heartfelt accounts and discover the unwavering resolve that fuels our commitment to advancing cancer care.

Sandra Harper

Wife, Homemaker, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Soon-to-be first-time grandmother, Philanthropist/Volunteer, Self-proclaimed “Miracle Child”, Cancer Survivor.

For me, being alive is a miracle. I was given six months to live and here I am twelve years later, living life by three simple rules - Live, Laugh and Love.

Raiford Ziegler, Jr.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Medical Sales, Cancer survivor

My journey here began when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer. It’s one I couldn’t have made without the support of family, friends and doctors who helped me keep a positive attitude. That attitude and the therapy keep me going.

Ron Diehl

Husband, Father, Diary farmer from Michigan, Patient

Ron, having traveled to San Antonio to go on a clinical trial was the first patient in the world with Ewing’s Sarcoma to respond to an insulin Growth Factor Receptor targeting antibody. “Having cancer has changed my life. Now I smell the coffee and the flowers and I don’t sweat the small stuff. I hope to live forever. And I hope that many people are benefited in the future.

Mr. and Mrs. Lozano

Husband and Wife, Father and Mother, Grandparents, Cancer survivors

Having one member of the family with cancer is terrible, but when both a husband and wife develop the disease at nearly the same time it is almost unimaginable. The Lozanos, through their combined love and hope, continued to fight the disease together, as a team.

Margaret Conrad

Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Three time cancer survivor

I have a passion for wildflowers... for my family... and for living. At START, the doctors and staff have a passion for curing cancer. My family has no history of cancer. I am here because I want to do my part to ensure that cancer is not in their future.

Larry Dipoma

Husband, Father, Grandfather and retired Air Force Colonel

I proudly salute the START Team for their superb professionalism, team work and compassion. They have won my confidence and earned my respect. Clearly, they have lengthened and improved the quality of my life. I love them all.

Barbara Groff

Mother of six, Grandmother of eleven, loves family get-togethers, Cancer survivor

Through it all, I’ve never give up hope, and I didn’t listen to the bad reports. I’ve always just marched on. My doctor tells me there’s more we can do. Whatever is in the cards for me, I can’t lose.

Mr. Jesse Garza and Granddaughter

Father, Grandfather, Soloist, Cancer survivor

Mr. Garza’s wish when he first came for treatment was to see the birth of his granddaughter. Clinical trials have given him that wish.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Explore our Clinical Trials

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial at The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”), we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team will guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and help determine if you are eligible for any ongoing trials.

Select Site Location
  • Select All
  • START San Antonio
  • START Midwest
  • START Mountain Region
  • START Madrid - CIOCC
  • START Madrid - FJD
  • START Barcelona
  • START Lisbon
  • START Dublin
  • 10 mi (16 km)
  • 50 mi (80 km)
  • 100 mi (160 km)
  • 150 mi (240 km)
  • 200 mi (320 km)
  • 250 mi (400 km)