In 2006, Phil Bosanko joined a club that nobody wants to join: the cancer club. Today, he’s a City of Hope® volunteer in Chicago who supports other members of the “club” by providing encouragement, empathy and a listening ear. We asked him why he is so dedicated to helping others in their cancer journey.
Where does your commitment to City of Hope come from?
Phil: I was 48 and living life to the fullest with my bride, Kim, when I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Kim and I felt I needed more than the standard chemotherapy treatment plan. A coworker who was going through cancer treatment recommended Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now City of Hope Chicago).
Within a matter of days, I got a second opinion at City of Hope and decided to continue my treatment there. From the get-go, my care team was on the same page as I was. They invited me to have a say in my treatment and never gave me a time limit. Instead, they offered hope and a commitment to fight with me.
Your treatment course was very challenging. What motivated you to keep going?
Phil: My motivation to fight went back to my days as a firefighter with the U.S. Air Force. It was, as we say in the fire service, “the will to slay the dragon.” Never give up, no matter what, and keep moving. As a widower who lost his first wife to breast cancer in 1993, I also knew how important it was to maintain a positive attitude.
I completed my treatment in 15 months and have been cancer-free ever since. I would never have made it this far without the staff at City of Hope, Kim, family, friends and coworkers.
Tell us about your volunteer activities.
Phil: I joined City of Hope Cancer Fighters Care Net in 2009. Since then, I have talked with more than 1,000 people with cancer who are considering treatment at a City of Hope facility.
“I realize I belong to a club that nobody ever wants to join — the cancer club. But once you’re in, you’re in, and all of us cancer patients are special to one another. So, the more folks I can help, the better.” — Phil Bosanko
What drives you to continue to volunteer all these years?
Phil: I realize I belong to a club that nobody ever wants to join — the cancer club. But once you’re in, you’re in, and all of us cancer patients are special to one another. So, the more folks I can help, the better.
City of Hope Cancer Fighters offers connection and support for people at every stage of their cancer journey. Our programs include:
- Special events in the Phoenix, Atlanta and Chicago areas
- Online forums where you can share your experiences with other members
- Online groups focused on topics such as health and wellness, cooking and creativity
- Caregiver support
- Educational resources
