Joe Buccilli's heroes in life are not top paid athletes or glamorous movie stars. Joe says his heroes are doctors and nurses who were there for him 24/7 during his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

The 40-year-old Orchard Park police officer is especially thankful to the nurses on 5E at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), who he believes, were his guardian angels during his cancer treatment.

Joe first went for medical help when he noticed bloating in his stomach and a general overall weakness. His family doctor ordered a biopsy. Joe says waiting for the results were the longest two weeks of his life. The father of two young children and his wife anguished over the possibilities. He learned it was an advanced life-threatening cancer. Joe came to Roswell Park for care under the direction of Myron Czuczman, MD, where he received a novel combination of standard drugs (CHOP) along with a new drug called Rituxan. This combination was originally and successfully tested by Dr. Czuczman at RPCI several years earlier. Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody which targets only the cancer cells and has activity by itself and can be safely added to other therapies.

The drugs worked, the tumor was breaking apart, but there were complications. Doctors feared a bowel obstruction and were prepared for surgery, but then the obstruction also broke down.

"I was in the hospital for weeks. It was a difficult time, no doubt about it. I lost 35 pounds," Joe explained. "I can't begin to put into words how deeply touched I was by the care given to me at Roswell Park." Joe also says support in Orchard Park was overwhelming. He received more than 300 cards and letters. His fellow officers shaved their heads to show Joe that he wasn’t alone in his battle. Hundreds turned out to participate in fund-raisers and walks.

"Cancer changes everything. These people are now part of my extended family. I feel so much gratitude to all," he remarks. Joe says he now belongs to a unique fraternity of cancer survivors and he is grateful for every day he has with his wife Lynn and his children, Taylor and Christopher. Even though he knows the cancer is likely to return one day, for now he is back to the work he loves as a police officer, covering the midnight shift.

"I thank God for every day I am able to watch my kids grow, for hockey practices and school plays. It's all good," he says. Joe's message of hope for the holidays: "You have to learn to put life into perspective. Value everyday happenings and enjoy moments with your loved ones. Never give up hope."