In Memory of Nancy Roth – a Personal Story By Don Roth, CEO AmpliVox
On September 4, 2018, my wife Nancy Roth lost her six-year battle with ocular melanoma.
This rare disease, which occurs in 2,000 adults each year, currently has no cure in its metastatic form.
Give in Memory of Nancy Roth But let me tell you more of Nancy’s story, and of her courageous battle that she ultimately lost.
Nancy's Life
Don & Nancy c.1968
Nancy was born on August 23, 1942, and grew up in Lincoln Park, MI. She attended Lincoln Park High School and the University of Michigan, graduating in 1964 with a degree in nursing.
She was a nurse at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, IL, when she and I met. We married on July 2, 1966.
She became a dedicated flight attendant at United Airlines, flying for decades, bringing enthusiasm and quick wit to passengers around the globe. She traveled the world many times over and as a patriotic and proud American, she especially loved the U.S. troop transports. Nancy never met a stranger.
Her Struggle
Six years ago, our local ophthalmologist, Dr. Ira Garron diagnosed Nancy’s condition, and referred us to the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. There, we spent many days and hours under the care of Drs. Jerry and Carol Shields and their great team.
Over a two-year period, Nancy’s eye responded to treatment; only a remnant of the tumor remained. However, we came to understand that there was a 50% chance that the tumor would metastasize, which happened at the three-year mark.
We continued the battle at the Perlmutter Cancer Center operated by New York University Langone Health. Their sophisticated treatment included drug mixes created only in Australia and then flown in for immediate patient application.
Nancy battled gallantly, but I could tell her belief in a cure was being put to the test.
Treatment continued with regular chemotherapy and radiation at Highland Park Hospital, as the cancer spread to other areas of Nancy’s body.
Despite our fight, we finally realized that Nancy was slipping away.
My Hope For Her
I never stopped believing that the Holy Spirit would cleanse Nancy and we would resume our joyful morning and evening review of current events of our kids and grandkids. For 32 years, I drove her to the airport and picked her up from her trips around the world as a flight attendant. I loved shopping, getting her what she needed.
Nancy was my conscience and my guide, and I miss her greatly. Yet I’m filled with love and gratitude for her and our many years together.
My Hope For Others
If your contributions can help even one person win the battle that Nancy lost, my sharing this story with you will have been well worth it. Thank you for helping me remember my wife Nancy, and for your thoughts and prayers for anyone struggling with this disease.
Where Do Your Donations Go?
Your donations in memory of Nancy Roth will be used, under the direction of Dr. Carol Shields at the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, in the following manner: - Supporting national research into the immunology of how cancerous ocular cells metastasize (spread to other parts of the body)
- Supporting local research on the prevention and treatment ocular oncology under the direction of Dr. Bruce Brockstein at Northshore Health System in the Chicago area.
We thank the Eye Tumor Research Foundation for their devoted research in eye cancers and tumors in an effort to win the struggle for life and sight.
Dr. Carol Shields and her staff at the Eye Tumor Research Foundation where 100% of your Donations for Nancy are used for eye cancer research.
Click here to see 3 recent reports by Dr Shields department published in high level scientific publications:
- Journal of Current Ophthalmology 30 (2018) 102-109
- Middle East Africa Council Ophthalmology April-June 2018 / Volume 25 / Issue 2
- JAMA Ophthalmology December 2018 Volume 136, Number 12
In Memory of Nancy Roth, please help support research and treatment of ocular melanoma. I, Don Roth, will match funds up to $10,000 per month. Thank you for joining our effort with great love and respect.
Don and Nancy's grandchildren, Brady and Griffin Roth, sitting on Nancy's memorial park bench at the St. Catherine's playground in Manhattan NY where Nancy loved the memories of every moment.
