Every year on February 4th, the world comes together to recognize World Cancer Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness, education, and action in the fight against cancer. In honor of this day, we are sharing the personal journeys of two of our patients, highlighting their strength, resilience, and experiences with cancer care at The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation.
For Hendrick Vega, receiving care from TOI’s Plant City office was worth traveling for. He credits the incredible team and his doctor’s ability to communicate in both Spanish and English for helping him feel comfortable and confident in his treatment plan. Reflecting on his journey, Hendrick shared, “It’s scary, but don’t lose hope. You’re in great hands here.” He emphasized how Dr. Ticona took the time to explain everything in detail, making a complicated diagnosis much easier to understand. For Hendrick, family support and a caring provider team were the most important factors in overcoming cancer, and TOI provided just that.
Deborah R., a patient at TOI’s Brandon location, describes TOI as her partner in her fight against cancer. After a frustrating experience with a previous doctor, Deborah found a compassionate and understanding oncologist at TOI who was always open and honest. TOI’s innovative approach to treatment, such as offering a quick interjection alternative to lengthy IV therapies, allowed her to live life more normally during chemo. “Because TOI offered it and helped me financially, I didn’t have to sit in a chair for hours. I was able to continue with life and will be eternally grateful,” she shared. Deborah also emphasized the importance of faith, family, and the support of a caring provider team in her journey. Her advice to newly diagnosed patients is to advocate for themselves, surround themselves with knowledgeable and empathetic people, and remember there is life after cancer.
For another TOI patient, hope has been the most important factor in their cancer journey. “Hope that I make it to my next birthday, hope that I get to see my daughter get married, hope that I make it to the next fun event.” They remind us that fighting cancer is about focusing on the milestones ahead—the big and small moments that make life worth living. This patient also found immense support through the TOI team, describing how their personalized care and compassionate approach made them feel like the most important person in the room. “It’s quite a sight to see somebody come in newly diagnosed looking so scared and leaving with a smile on their face.”
For Le Vu, a patient at TOI’s Long Beach clinic, staying strong and finding joy in everyday moments have been key to her journey. She believes in the power of resilience and hope, reminding others that while cancer is difficult, it does not define a person. She encourages those newly diagnosed to stay optimistic and embrace the love and support around them. One of the biggest challenges, she shared, is the perception of change. “I wish others would understand that I am still me. Please don’t treat me as if I am suddenly different.” At TOI, she found a team that provided comfort, expertise, and unwavering support. With each visit, her fears diminished, replaced by the confidence that she was receiving the best possible care.
The experiences of Hendrick, Deborah, Le, and our anonymous patient reflect TOI’s unwavering commitment to providing patient-centered, compassionate, and innovative cancer care. At TOI, we go beyond treatment—we become a partner in every patient’s journey, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way. If you or a loved one is considering The Oncology Institute’s cancer care services, reach out to your Primary Care Provider to explore your care options today.
