Judi Phillips, age 57, has faced death more than once. But this Buffalo woman never gave up on life. She kept fighting. In the summer of 2001, Judith was told by her family doctor that a diagnostic sonogram revealed a growth on her pancreas that was probably cancer. "I was in shock - just devastated. I knew I was sick but the possibility of cancer never entered my mind," she recalls.

Judith's first surgery to remove the cancer was cancelled due to the September 11 terrorist attack and she was scheduled again in October. This time, surgeons never completed the operation, saying the tumor was intertwined with a major vein. She was told the cancer was inoperable and to put her affairs in order. They predicted she had six months to a year to live. 
 But, this fighter didn't give up. She sought out specialists at both Johns Hopkins University and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The consultants in Baltimore again told Judith her cancer was inoperable.  Devastated with the news, she returned to Buffalo to talk with the doctors at Roswell Park. Dr. John Gibbs offered her hope when there was none.

"We will always be grateful for the dedication of Dr. Gibbs. He was there for me every step of the way, offering hope, providing information, urging us to never give up the fight. He even called me on Christmas Eve. He was unbelievable. I will never forget," Judith remembers fondly. Judith's treatment options were limited. Chemotherapy and radiation were not recommended for this kind of cancer and the surgery was risky.

"Dr. Gibbs told me that research indicated I had a 30 percent chance of not surviving the surgery, but he personally thought the odds were better than that," she remembers. "I talked with my partner Lisa, my children, my family. We did a lot of praying and after many long discussions, I decided to have the surgery."

On March 21, 2002, Judith's cancer was removed successfully from her pancreas in a 13-hour surgery performed by Dr. Gibbs. Three weeks later, on her birthday, she went home.

"Recovery from this major operation was a long process. I couldn't work for six months, but every day I would walk and every day I would get stronger."

Today, Judith remains cancer free. Her message of hope for the holidays: "Never give up hope. Keep fighting, ask questions and don't be afraid to get a second or a third opinion. And believe in miracles. My family and friends remind me regularly that I am a walking miracle."