Bill

Bill L.

Myelofibrosis

At 83, Bill serves as a powerful reminder that trailblazers exist in all stages of life. A proud Colorado native with a passion for restoring antique gas pumps, who recently renovated his kitchen himself, Bill is a true embodiment of resilience and determination.

His journey with myelofibrosis—a rare type of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)—led him to Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), in collaboration with TriStar Centennial Medical Center, where he enrolled in an innovative clinical trial.

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, which offers clinical trials through SCRI, treated Bill for approximately 18 months in Colorado before recognizing his need for additional treatment options. His physician identified a suitable study through the SCRI network and referred him to a clinical trial available in Nashville under the care of Stephen Strickland, MD, MSCI, Director of Leukemia Research for SCRI.

Bill and his wife travel to Nashville from Colorado for the clinical trial. His treatment began with a three-week inpatient stay and frequent outpatient visits. Thankfully, he was able to complete his lab work locally at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Denver. The couple alternated between hotel stays and home visits, navigating a demanding schedule with grace.

Bill has had a positive response and now shows no active sign of disease.

“We are honored to be able to bring clinical trial options to Bill and remain impressed with his determination to beat this,” said Dr. Stephen Strickland.

Bill continues to do well and returns to Nashville for checkups every three weeks and sees his physician in Denver for checkups in between. His story is a testament to the impact of research, the dedication of SCRI’s hematology experts, and the perseverance of a patient.

“My wife and I want to thank the nursing staff, physicians and all study team members in both Colorado and Nashville for taking such good care of our family,” said Bill.