Eric Bray

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Marathon Runner, Polio Survivor, Accountant, Teacher, Shoe Salesman

Eric recently had an article in Cleveland Clinic’s website. The original article is located here. This is repeated here: “Eric Bray from Akron, Ohio is used to overcoming challenges. He survived Polio in 1953 when he was just 5 years old. Then 66 years later, Eric was diagnosed with Urothelial Cancer, a rare cancer that affects a person's urethra, bladder, kidneys and other organs.

Eric had been an athlete for most of his life, and had even run 42 marathons - he was in shock when he got the news. His oncologist told him to get his affairs in order since it was likely that he wouldn't survive another year. By May of 2019, Eric found himself at Cleveland Clinic with the goal of getting to celebrate one more Christmas together with his family.

After going through the traditional cancer treatments and attempting immunotherapy, Eric's team suggested he try a brand-new drug that was just approved by the FDA to treat cancer. Doctors told him it would give him 3 more months to live. Fast forward to 2024 and he's now gotten four-years-worth of the treatment. As Eric says, "the goal was one Christmas and now I've seen five."

Not that his treatment journey has been easy. And it's far from over. Eric recently had to have his left kidney removed once his doctors found a metastasized spot, and he is now dealing with a relapse of spots in his bladder. Although the drug has extended his life, he needs to take breaks from the treatment in order to allow his body to repair from the past 5 years of chemo.

He is now included in the population of cancer patients who are living with their cancer diagnosis as a chronic condition. He doesn't know what each new day will bring, but he is focused on enjoying the time he has with his grandchildren and his wife, who he just celebrated 51 years of marriage with.

Eric wants to help others who are also dealing with an uncertain cancer diagnosis. "I absolutely refuse to let cancer define who I am - at almost 76 years my life has encompassed a lot of things. I feel a certain responsibility that I've made it this far and whatever can be learned by my journey, hopefully it helps the next person."

Eric's tumor at diagnosis, he also had lung metastasis and was told that he only had months to live, that was over 5 years ago!

Nothing better than spending time with friends and family

Dr. Christopher Weight atop the Middle Teton holding the medal to be given to Eric

After his diagnosis, Eric wrote this piece.

Who am I?

I have a friend in advertising who says you should try to make your point in six words.

To ask to describe a person that way would be the most demeaning request imaginable.

I am 76 years old.

I am a husband, a father, and a grandfather.

I have had one best friend for over 60 years.

I have lived in 11 houses, 4 cities, 2 states and a national park.

I have been an accountant, a teacher, a lecturer and a shoe salesman.

I have been a runner, a bowler and a terrible golfer.

I love to travel, rather drive.

I have visited 49 states and 32 national parks.

I love live performances - concerts, theater or sports.

I prefer movie theaters to television.

I play arcade games, especially pinball.

I have a favorite pub.

I like to read.

I love to share stories.

And, oh yeah, I have cancer. (Which is six words.)

But I won’t let that statement define me any more than any one of the previous statements does.

I don’t wake up in the morning thinking about cancer. I’m thinking about what I’m going to do today. In bed at night, I’m thinking about what I need to do tomorrow. If it’s a treatment day, I’m going to see the friends who helped me through the pandemic. If it’s a physical therapy day, I’m not there thinking about cancer, I’m there because I want to run again.

Therefore, my simple advice is don’t ever let one thing or one word define you.

Certainly not cancer.

You are so much more than that.