A Healing Journey: Roy's 261-Mile Fight Against Cancer
Barbara and Roy celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in June.
A Healing Journey That Spanned 261 Miles
When Roy Frisbie was diagnosed with lung cancer in Amarillo, Texas, the news came with limited options—chemotherapy or nothing. But Roy remembered watching his mother endure chemotherapy, and he was determined to explore a different path. That path led him and his wife, Barbara, 261 miles away to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City.
There, Roy discovered a new plan: radiation treatments that didn’t just promise hope—they delivered it. After two weeks of twice-daily radiation sessions, Roy returned home with a healthy prognosis and renewed optimism.
When One Battle Ends, Another Begins
For a while, Roy and Barbara's visits to INTEGRIS Health were just routine check-ins. But during one appointment, physicians noticed Roy’s previously controlled prostate cancer had worsened. He needed another intensive round of radiation—this time for five full weeks.
The couple worried about the financial toll. Staying near the hospital for such an extended time seemed out of reach.
Donors Stepped In When It Mattered Most
Thankfully, because of donors like you, Roy and Barbara received 10 nights of lodging support through the INTEGRIS Health Foundation. “We’re not rich by any means,” Barbara said. “But the lodging fund took care of where we stayed the first week of treatment. We only had to cover gas and food—and I cannot express how much of a relief that is with everything else going on.”
IHCI caregivers went further, helping them find extended-stay lodging for the remaining weeks of treatment, making sure they were both comfortable and financially secure.
“This program is just wonderful,” Barbara said. “You don’t feel pressure or stress because the lodging is there, and they’ve worked it all out for you.”
A Journey Marked by Progress—and Gratitude
As of this May—seven years after the first time he walked through the doors at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute—Roy finds himself nearly free of prostate cancer. And because of the care he received, Roy and Barbara were able to celebrate the birth of their newest great-grandchild.
The Frisbies’ journey has been long—261 miles, many times over—but the road to healing has been paved with kindness and support.
On behalf of the Frisbies and all the other families you’ve helped through your generosity, thank you.
Your generosity keeps care going — even after patients leave the hospital.
Story by Zoee Zuerker