In Memory of Vince Lombardo

Family and friends participate in the first-ever
Walk of Hope in November.

Vince Lombardo passed away in January 2004.

Last January I lost my husband to lung cancer. Vince and I had been married for 40 years, had two fantastic sons, and six lovely grandchildren. He was a non-smoker and an 18-year lung cancer survivor. In the spring of 2001, he was diagnosed with a secondary primary cancer.

Despite numerous types of treatment nothing helped this time. He was an inspiration to so many people and he truly lived his mantra, "Never deprive anyone of home, it may be all they have." His earnest hope and determination to fight his disease carried me through to the very end. Even after we were told he might have two weeks or eight months at best, he continued to demonstrate that hope.

After his first diagnosis in 1985, he underwent a lobectomy and was told no further treatment was necessary. He continued with pain and the following June was told that there was a chest wall mass. The doctor told us after looking back on the eight months of x-rays, that they could see the progression of the tumor. We were told it was inoperable and that surgery would leave him deformed.

We pursued a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Vince underwent a second surgery to remove the tumor, which was followed by chemotherapy and radiation. He also had whole brain radiation as a precaution.

Shortly thereafter, he became active with Anderson Network (a MD Anderson sponsored support group for cancer patients and survivors). He provided much hope and encouragement to numerous patients throughout the United States and in our area diligently worked to raise awareness, monies and support for cancer patients.

In September of 2002, he was honored at the Network’s Cancer Survivors Conference, Living Fully with Cancer, as Outstanding Volunteer. It marked the first time a non-Texan had been given that honor. It was a very moving evening, as our children and other family members were present.

Since his death, I have continued to work with the Network and have begun an outreach program at a local hospital, joined your Phone Buddy Program, and continue to speak with families and patients undergoing their unexpected cancer journey. It is my earnest desire to get the message out that with early detection, a patient can survive lung cancer.

Elaine Lombardo
Nine Mile Point, LA