“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”

Gary Stormer

December 21, 2010-

"Thanks to my family and friends for the prayers and kind words. They mean so much to me. For those who don't know, I have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It's such a shock I'm just in a daze. The battle begins tomorrow with an appointment with a specialist in Butler. I promise everyone that I will fight this with every ounce of my strength. I have so much to live for right now."

December 22, 2010-

"Just got back from the appointment in Butler. Nothing new to share. It seems like today was a stepping stone to get in to see the pancreatic cancer specialist at UPMC next Wednesday."

December 26, 2010-

Gary and his family attended a laying on of hands service at the Pentecostal church.

December 27, 2010-

"The laying hands on me experience last evening was truly wonderful. I feel the power of prayer healing me. This will be a busy week with a couple trips to UPMC. Don't be surprised if the biopsy shows I'm already healed. I won't be! Thanks for all your prayers and hugs. It has gotten me through what could have easily been the worst week of my life."

"The first of many GOOD news posts. My CEA test (you'll have to Google it to find out more) was normal. It's the only test so far that the power of prayer has affected! The initial meeting with Dr. Mozier at UPMC is Wednesday. My biopsy is Thursday. Please continue the prayers. We're off to a good start this week!!!!!!!"

December 29, 2010-

"Today is my first meeting with UPMC's pancreatic cancer specialist. I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say. We did get a little set back yesterday. My C 9-19 tumor level was high (4880). Normal is 37. Please keep up the prayers. They mean a lot to me."

"I wish I could post this is all a bad dream...but it is what I've dreaded having confirmed. Pancreatic cancer that has spread to my liver. I'll find out next what kind when they do a liver biopsy. Treatment will start soon. Keep me in your prayers so you can keep me around for as long as possible. I'll fight this!"

January 4, 2011-

"At last I have a scheduled liver biopsy...Thursday morning at 9 at Presby in Pittsburgh. We already know what it is but they need to confirm the variety of cancer to begin treatment. I feel great and am ready for the fight. The anticipation of getting started with chemo is as bad as knowing there's something bad growing inside me. Keep up the prayers and encouragement. It's helped me through two rough weeks."

January 6, 2011-

"The biopsy at Presby was pretty uneventful. They have a great team there that made it an easy proceedure. The worst part was the four hour mandatory wait after the biospy to make sure there was no bleeding. Probably get the results tomorrow or Monday. We all know what it is and the fight ahead. I'm ready physically and spiritually."

January 7, 2011-

"It's official. 18 days after my initial diagnois the liver biopsy has confirmed that it is adenocarcinoma...pancreatic cancer. The battle begins when we go to UPMC Monday afternoon and sign the paper work to get the treatment underway. Pray hard because I am going to fight hard."

January 8, 2011-

"Thanks to everyone for the wonderful uplifting comments and prayers. It means so much to have so many people fighting this battle with me. On Monday I sign the paperwork at Hillman Cancer Center authorizing my participation in their current clinical study of "Hedge Hog"...an second phase clinical drug that breaks down the shell of tumors so the chemo works more effectively. It will take about 7 to 10 days for the "Hedge Hog" to arrive. It is an oral drug that goes hand in hand with the usual Pancreatic Cancer chemo. My first chemo and dose of "Hedge Hog" will be around January 21. I have to go the Pittsburgh three weeks in a row for treatment then have blood work on the fourth week here in DuBois. The treatment is long term...and I just know it will at least stop the spread and growth of the tumor in my pancreas and multiple tumors in my liver. Rest assured I feel great...no symptoms of the disease that is called the "silent killer." No wonder...if it weren't for my blood sugar being out of wack there still wouldn't be any reason to have the catscan that discovered the tumors. Please heed the signs your body gives you. Don't let anything go unchecked. We have wonderful doctors here but the trick is YOU HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT and find out why your body is telling you something is wrong."

January 10, 2011-

"The paperwork at UPMC is signed. They still need the results of an EKG that I will have tomorrow at DRMC Primary Care in Brockway (my heros) and the readings from my blood work before I'm officially in the Clinical Study Program. If I meet the clinical criteria...my first treatment will be Janaury 21. It is so wonderful to know so many people care, pray, and are in this battle with me.You give me strength."

January 11, 2011-

"Here's a good one for you healthy eaters. I'm all approved for the UPMC clinical except for one thing...the sodium level in my blood is ONE point too low. You're told to drink lots of water...limit your salt etc. etc. and I have been. Now tonight I'm eating chips, bacon, Campbell's soup and drinking NO water in hopes of getting my sodium level from 135 to 136 by tomorrow morning. This is CRAZY!!!"

January 12, 2011-

"Lab results in. Sodium level in the NORMAL range. I should be in the clinical study now. God bless a half a bag of chips, V8 Juice, bacon and Campbell's chicken and rice soup!"

"OK...it's official. I'm in with the first treatment January 21. Two things need to be taken care of though...another CAT SCAN (the first one will be 30 days old on Saturday) and another physical exam at Dr. Stoller's office Monday afternoon. We're sure going to know the way to Hillman UPMC. But the more trips I make the longer I'll be here. So no complaints."

January 13, 2011-

"Just a Pittsburgh road trip update. I have to go to Hillman UPMC tomorrow afternoon for a check up and catscan. Part of the requirements to get the treatment started next Friday. The clinical program person...Tracee...has been great through all this making sure all of the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted. Let's hope we get going January 21. I'm so stressed just waiting."

January 14, 2011-

"Back safely from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. Now that the physical exam and second CT scan are completed...my first treatment should be next Friday. The only thing that could delay it would be the hedge hog medicine not arriving in time."

January 16, 2011-

"Two weeks from today is my 57th birthday. It WILL NOT be my last birthday. We know pancreatic cancer is a very serious disease. But I know when I read the posts you have made here, read the cards along the hallway in my home, see you in church or out shopping, or at work...that UPMC, team Gary, my strength, my family and God will beat this. Thanks so much for everything."

January 19, 2011-

"I just finished opening and reading all of the cards that came in today's mail. They make me cry...because I never dreamed so many people cared about me. Thanks for your prayers. Team Gary is wonderful. UPMC tells me it's very unlikely the clinical trial medicine will be there by this Friday. We'll battle with prayer and Goji juice and turmeric curcumin for another week."

January 20, 2011-

"OK team Gary...we're in. Just got a phone call from Tracee at UPMC Hillman that the sponsors have approved my participation in the clinical study for "hedge hog" and my first treatment is next Friday at 1 PM. Yeah! I'm going to be shedding a few less tears today :) Remember...miracles do happen. I say that every fifteen minutes."

January 24, 2011-

"Thanks for all of the "early" birthday wishes. It's going to be a busy birthday weekend. My first treatment at UPMC Hillman Friday afternoon. I am SO ready! Sunday I'm celebrating my 57th birthday by attending the "healing priest" service in DuBois. Then ice cream and cake at home with family in the evening. This weekend is an important weekend for me. A new beginning with great hopes for many tomorrows."

"The healing priest is at the DuBois Middle School this Sunday, January 30 from 1 to 5 PM. I got my tickets by calling Mrs. Pellone 814-371-1281. Since so many have asked about it...I hope to see you there!"

January 27, 2011-

"All set for tomorrow's trip to Pittsburgh. Team Gary will be riding along!!! I've been told that the Catholic healing priest service is sold out. So no more calls to Mrs. Pallone for tickets."

January 28, 2011-

"Back home from treatment #1 at Hillman UPMC. Everything went great. Feeling really good. It's just so wonderful to know the chemo and hedge hog inhibitor has joined your prayers in this battle. Team Gary...we are all in this one together!!!!"

"A little set back tonight...but in an effort to keep the posts "real" I have to tell you that I have a blood clot in my right calf muscle that it being treated. Had a lot of pain in the leg the last two days and my Pat and doctor feared it was a clot since it's not uncommon for them to form when someone has cancer. So...it was caught it time and all should be fine."

January 30, 2011, GARY'S BIRTHDAY-

"Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. I'm looking forward to getting even MORE next year! The blood clot pain is easing. I'll only slightly limp in to the Catholic healing priest service at the Middle School this afternoon. Looking forward to cake and ice cream with family this evening. How many carbs in raspberry filled cake with butter cream icing? Zero?? I thought so!!!"

February 1, 2011-

"I'm feeling great and ready for treatment #2 on Friday."

February 2, 2011-

"Since my cancer journey began six weeks again, I've gained 200 facebook friends. In those six weeks I've felt blessed, I've felt humble, I've felt sad, I've felt happy and I've felt closer to many friends and family members than ever before. But most important...I feel closer to God and thank all of your for your inspiration, prayers, and hugs."

February 4, 2011-

"Back safely from round two of chemo at UPMC's Hillman cancer center. Everything went great. Feeling good. It appears that by info from my blood work that I am on the real hedge hog clinical drug and not a placebo. I carried your prayers and get well wishes with me to Pittsburgh and I could feel everyone of you joining me in the early stages of a medical miracle."

February 7, 2011-

"It's Monday morning...I'm at work and feeling great (except for the Steeler's loss). I thought it would be a good time to thank all of you who have sent cards, gas cards, and money to help with the medical bills and trips to Pittsburgh for treatments. It's truly humbling to know so many people care. Thanks!!!"

February 10, 2011-

"An update for team Gary. Getting ready for chemo treatment #3 on Friday. Then a week off before we're back at it. I get asked many times every day "how are you feeling?" The answer is pretty good. As expected, a few side affects. Mostly I get tired a lot easier. Nicer weather will help that. A little pain from time to time. But considering everything...I feel happy to feel as well as I do."

February 11, 2011-

"Treatment #3 is behind me. Now a week off (just blood work in DuBois next Friday) then back at it for three more treatments before the VERY important CT SCAN on March 18. That will be the marker of my tumor status...and we're all hoping either they stopped growing and or shrunk. Feeling great. Thanks for everything Team Gary is doing from the hundreds of prayers to gas cards and kind words of encouragement."

February 16, 2011-

"A mid-week hello to Team Gary. I've felt really good the last couple days (warmer weather, perhaps?) The biggest issue has been fatigue, but with no chemo this week I'll definately have more energy. So far, so good. I can't thank you enough for your prayers, gifts, and kind words. As far as I'm concerned...that's MORE than half the battle."

February 19, 2011-

"It seemed strange not driving to Pittsburgh yesterday, but my arms definately needed a break from IV's. They're very sore. As a matter of fact, the only pain I'm feeling is sore arms and crampy legs and feet. That's a GOOD sign. Enjoying eating normally. No hair loss. Feeling pretty darn good overall (I get tired easy...which is a good excuse for a nap!). Loving those prayers and kind words."

February 21, 2011-

"I'm still feeling great except for the leg cramps and arm pain. I have a superficial blood clot in my left arm causing pain. Probably from IVs. Pretty sure the same is true for the other arm. My legs are clot free. My research person (daughter Shauna) tells me she found on line that the liquid chemo they are using on me causes cramping. Mysteries solved. Arms and leg pain my only issue. I can handle that!"

February 24, 2011-

Another thank you for the cards, gas cards, money and prayers. I am humbled beyond words by the kindness and love I've felt since I heard "there's a tumor in your pancreas on December 20. Nearly ten weeks later I am still in many ways shocked and scared. Your support helps me more than you can imagine. Treatment #4 tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

February 25, 2011-

"Back home safely from treatment #4. Some complications getting my IV started...it took eight tries. They decided to go ahead a put a port in to make the IV less painful and frustrating. So back to UPMC Tuesday for that proceedure. Things are going well. I am giving my all to this fight...and along with your prayers and support I know we'll win and look back and thank God for the strength he gave all of us."

February 28, 2010-

Tomorrow is "port" day. I'm really looking forward to NOT having to be jabbed so many times to get an I-V inserted. Bad thing is they need to put in an I-V tomorrow to do the procedure. Good thing is it won't happen again. Feeling ok. Not great. Not bad. Tired, arms and legs hurt, several other chemo side affects. Only six and a half weeks till trout season!!!

March 1, 2011-

The port is installed. YEAH! No more feeling like a pin cushion. The proceedure was simple. As Tom Petty sang..."the waiting is the hardest part." Pat and Shauna (as usual) were along representing Team Gary. Your prayers are working. Shauna wanted me to remind you that she's closing out the first round of candle sales this Friday. Everyone who has bought one really likes them. Hint.

March 5, 2011-

Yesterday's fifth chemo treatment went well. Much better with the port! I felt the side affects faster though...guess the "main line" to my jugular gets the drug to it's target quicker. Feeling better today. My blood sugar has improved so much I've been able to cut back the insulin by 20%. Could my pancreas be making it's own insulin again? Please pray that's the case. Miracles DO happen!

March 10, 2011-

We have made the decision to drive to Pittsburgh this evening to avoid driving in the snow in the morning. Treatment #6 is tomorrow at 1 PM at UPMC Hillman. My need for insulin has DECREASED by nearly two thirds this week. 20 units instead of 56 units. Miracles do and ARE happening. Bless all of you for your prayers and support.

March 11, 2011

The Team Gary crew has made it back safely from Pittsburgh. Treatment #6 is flowing through my body. Platelets (blood's ability to clot) were low today...so my dosage of chemo was reduced to compensate. All in all going well. Catscan next week...then the "news" on March 25th if the tumors stayed the same, grew, or shrunk. We all know they've stabilized and shrunk!!!! Thanks for the continued prayers.

March 16, 2011-

There will be no treatment this week...just blood work and a cat scan that will give us the "news" next Friday if the tumors are stabilizing or growing. We know that news we want to hear. It's been a bad week for chemo side affects. Team Gary and your prayers lift me but some days I really struggle with this disease and chemo side affects.

March 18-

Have you ever prayed while you were having a cat scan? I did today. Praying that when we get the results next Friday that all of your prayers and my treatments have started me down the road to recovery. It's going to be a long week. Say a few extra prayers. I will be. Thanks for everything.

March 24-

Tomorrow is the big "results" day. This sure has been a LONG week. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. Team Gary will have a booth at the Sunny 106 Kids Fair on Sunday at the DuBois Middle School from 1 to 4. We're starting our fundraising for the Relay For Life. Bring the kids and stop by and say hello!!!! We'll have candles and candy bars for sale.

March 25-

The news is bad. The leisions in my liver have spread and grown more than 20% and I am out of the clinical trial. The hedge hog and Gemzar chemo were ineffective in treating my pancreatic cancer. I will now have treatments at Hahne Cancer Center in DuBois. God please help me. It's not good Team Gary. I need your support more than ever to keep a smile on my face.

March 26-

OK Team Gary. You have me feeling much better today. I'm spending the weekend re-grouping and getting ready to have all of you join me in another charge up the hill. We didn't quiet make it the first time...but on the second try we'll be much more successful. Thanks so SO much for all of the positive comments and prayer. I can't imagine where my attitude would be right now without YOU. Go Team Gary!!!!

March 27-

Pat, Shauna and I had a great time at the Kids Fair. Sold lots of candy bars and a few candles. Dozens of people asked me how I'm feeling. Here's the answer. I feel pretty good. There is now (as Dr. Stoller explained) "surface liver pain" in my right side from the tumors in my liver. The pain varies from a dull ache to a pretty intense pain. Other than that I am ok.

March 29-

Good news Team Gary. We will have two treatment options. A meeting tomorrow morning at Hahne Cancer Center...then a three day evaluation starting Thursday at Cancer Centers of America in Philadelphia. My thanks to daughter Shauna for her diligence on the phone making dozens of phone calls all across America. So the stage is set for the next charge up the hill. I'm ready!!!!!

March 31-

Pat and I had a GREAT day at Cancer Centers of America. We met with nurses, an internist, oncologist, naturopathic medicine specialist, and nutrititionist. They are so positive and pay attention to you as an individual. We're looking forward to Shauna and Isaak joining us this weekend. A couple tests and more meetings tomorrow including pastoral care, financial conseling, and mind/body medicine.

April 5-

We're back from Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. It is a wonderful place full of hope. I will be able to have my next round of chemo here at Hahne in DuBois. The liver tumors have grown and there is new growth indicated in my abdomen. God's miracle needs to happen with this round of treatment. I am very confident in your prayers and love. The battle rages on.

April 6-

There will be a benefit dance for me on Saturday, May 14th from 6PM until midnight at the Pulaski Club in DuBois. Music by the Sierzega Family Band. Chinese auction. Lots of fun! Tickets are $15 and only 250 tickets will be sold. Get your tickets at the WCED business office or Dan's Pro Shop. My thanks to the DuBois Red Men Organization for all their hard work in putting on this benefit.

April 7-

My second round of chemo starts Wednesday at Hahne.. It is much more involved than the first. A four hour I-V then 48 hours of carrying around a "cassette" of chemo in a pack. This treatment has a 40 to 50 % success ratio of slowing down or shrinking tumor growth. Remember...pancreatic cancer is not curable. Please everyone continue your prayers.

April 11-

Finally some good news. I was afraid I had another blood clot in my leg but the test showed it's normal. All of those cramps just made my calf muscle hurt. Gearing up for my first treatment at Hahne Wednesday. Can't wait to get started. Don't forget to get your tickets for my benefit dance. If you need more information email me!

April 13-

My first chemo treatment at Hahne went well today. They have a wonderful staff. A second treatment tomorrow. Then a week off (after another 24 hours of my "portable" chemo). Thanks for all your prayers. We're all very optimistic this dose will work!!!

April 15-

First week of chemo at Hahne is behind me...or should I say in me. Plenty of side affects. No fishing tomorrow :( I just know that this treatment will be the ticket to slowly feeling better. Right now I'm a long ways from that). My support team means the world to me. Thanks for EVERYTHING!!!!!

April 20-

It's been a bad week for chemo side effects. I still haven't been able to do my morning show. It's nice to hear from all of you. Thank goodness I don't have chemo this week. I don't think it would be good thing at all. Prayers appreciated. Thanks so much for the positive comments and kind words.

April 28-

Second round of chemo hit me hard. All the little extras like throwing up :) However, as my daughters said...numbers are improving and team Gary is charging up the hill full speed ahead. Please don't forget about the benefit fundraiser May 14 at the Pulaski in DuBois. It will be a fun way to help me pay off the bills. Love you all.

May 11-

It's been awhile since I posted here. Chemo has been rough on me. Fundraiser is Saturday evening at the Pulaski. VERY EXCITED! Come join us please. Get in touch if you want to donate a basket or donate. AND PAT AND I GOT MARRIED!!!! See...I saved the best for last. Thanks for everything!!!

May 16-

A huge thank you to my family, friends, co-workers and listeners for making the fund raiserr at the Pulaski a huge success. It continues to be so humbling to feel the love of this community. Thanks.

June 2-

From Shauna:  "For the first time in 6 months, I now have GOOD news! My Dad's (Gary Stormer) cancer has stabalized; which means there has not been any new growth in the last 6 weeks!!! He is still very, very, weak and sick from the chemo, but with this good news it has given him another reason to keep fighting. Thank you for all of your prayers...they are certainly paying off!"

June 13-

The beginning of the new chapter.... Gary Stormer: 1954-2011

Welcome.    This site is in honor of our friend and longtime voice of local radio, Gary Stormer, who battled pancreatic cancer which spread to his liver. 

Gary passed away on June 13, 2011 on a beautiful sunny summer morning. We celebrate the life of our friend Gary, who in his short life of 57 years had touched so many people. His loving spirit, his wonderful sense of humor, and his unique voice will always be remembered.

Bless you, Gary. Your painful journey is over.

+ 512 visits!