"This is a unique history of perseverance and courage in an extraordinary fight for life conducted by an exceptionally strong individual with the constant support of family, friends, employers, and health care givers. Multiple diagnostic procedures, operations, drug treatments and transfusions as well as prolonged displacements from home would tax even the strongest of individuals. Why did so many travel the difficult road along with Barry Riccio, who has a relatively rare disease, which is generally considered hopeless? The answer lies in his infectious, enthusiastic and thoughtful appreciation not only for his own life but also that of others. After considerable research and contemplation, Barry willingly tried new, even risky, approaches because it may help others. Serious illness unavoidably changes one's perspectives, as is evident in the pages of this book. Readers will come away knowing a remarkable individual and realize that it was and is a privilege being one of Professor Riccio's students."

   --  David Fromm, M. D., Penberthy Professor and Chairman,
       Dept. of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

 
Barry Riccio with Jurgen Kogler, M.D., his oncologist. San Diego, CA

"An oncologist deals primarily with tangibles; diagnoses, dosages, measurements, and resultant therapies. But one also cannot remain unaware of the intangibles of cancer treatment; the effect of a patient's attitude; their spirit or grit, as it were. The effects of these intangible factors cannot always be denied, and I have long been interested in the role these intangible qualities may play in a patient's response to treatment. Barry Riccio became my patient in 1997. His first cancer had been diagnosed in 1993, and he had already survived longer than had been initially anticipated. A variety of treatments and therapies had resulted in remissions, but no cures. But his attitude was confident, almost belligerent, toward his disease. He researched his diagnoses and therapies deeply and intently, and was an active participant in his treatments...The story of his fight against his disease can only serve to inspire others, and to have been part of this fight was a lesson in the indomitability of the human spirit."

  -- Jurgen Kogler, M.D., Board Certified Medical Oncology,
     Sharp HealthCare/Scripps System, San Diego, CA

"Why Barry Riccio developed cancer is not known, but we do know how he dealt with it. His battle with cancer is the basis for this remarkable story. We have much to learn about cancer, and stories like Barry's allow us to look back and try to uncover what allowed him to do as well as he has. Barry benefited from two important resources. He benefited from a loving companion who was willing to battle cancer at his side. The importance of such a companion has been borne out in research showing that patients with a strong social network do better than those who are let to battle cancer 'on their own.' In addition, Barry took responsibility for his own care....Certainly, a less determined person in Barry's situation would have accepted defeat much earlier and as a result, never have benefited from treatments that likely extended his life. I feel honored to have been a part of Barry's care, and I know that our understanding of cancer has been advanced as a result of his struggle."

   -- John C. Gutheil, M. D., Former Director, Clinical Oncology Research,
      Sharp HealthCare, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, San Diego, CA

Kathryn Anthony and Barry Riccio after his emergency  pericardial window surgery. Urbana, IL

"If you ever doubt what a persistent and well-motivated person with cancer can accomplish on his own behalf spend a few hours with Barry Riccio. He will tell you that he has been lucky in the course of his cancer, but he has made his own good luck by his intense involvement in his own care.The fascinating story of this exceptional cancer patient should provide inspiration to others facing the same challenges."

  -- Patricia A. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., Carle Cancer Center, Urbana, IL

"As an oncology nurse, I was inspired and honored to be a part of Barry and Kathryn's life for over a year. My association with Barry began by phone as I assisted him in becoming one of the first humans to receive a phase I anti-angiogenesis monoclonal antibody. Barry's longer than predicted survival is a testimony to his positive attitude and his perseverance in seeking out the newest and best of cancer treatments. His attitude and the unending family support should be an inspiration to all cancer patients and their families proving that positive things can happen to patients and they should never give up.

  -- Joy L. Hamer, R.N. OCN, Former Clinical Research Coordinator,
     Sharp HealthCare, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, San Diego CA

"Our basic research efforts on cancer cells and blood vessels allowed us to selectively kill tumor-associated blood vessels. We were surprised to see how much excitement was generated by the news media over our scientific publications in this area. In fact, our publication in the journal Cell received international press coverage and was featured on the front page of The New York Times. I had no idea what impact this would have on my life...At this point my path crossed with Barry Riccio. Barry, who had been battling cancer for several years, learned of our discovery and the phase I clinical trial that was being planned in San Diego. A Phase I clinical trial is typically performed on late stage cancer   patients who have failed all previous treatment...Barry became the second patient in the world to be treated with our drug...I had the chance to meet Barry, his wife and mother. I began to realize our studies may have made the difference in their lives. This is when everything hit me. Over the years I had done my best to keep my professional and personal life separate. Meeting Barry and his family changed all that forever."

  -- David A. Cheresh, Ph.D., Professor, Depts. of Immunology and Vascular      Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA

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