Gerald Owens, a Baptist Cancer Center patient, shared his experience as a two-time survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) — a rare cancer that affects blood stem cells — at the Glitz Gala on Feb. 26.
Hosted by Pettigrew Adventures to benefit cancer patients and survivors, the Glitz Gala featured dinner, live music and a silent auction. The event raised funds for the Baptist Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund, which subsidizes care, medication-related expenses, transportation, lodging, meals and other support services for patients who need assistance.
Owens was diagnosed with MDS in 2020 when he was 48 years old. After months of chemotherapy treatments, he received a stem cell transplant, which led to a year and a half of remission. His physician, Dr. Salil Goorha, a Baptist Cancer Center hematologist and oncologist, was recognized at the event for his patient care.
“When people have MDS, they become anemic from not getting enough oxygen in their body and then they feel exhausted,” said Goorha. “We thought Gerald had a high risk of developing leukemia, so we recommended a transplant.”
Owens’ cancer returned in 2023. With the continued support of his wife Netasha, Owens received a second transplant. He has been in remission for more than two years.
“Since I’d been through it before, I was ready to fight this battle again,” said Owens. “And the people at Baptist were so supportive and so attentive to my needs, and that really helped.”
Owens shared with the audience the Bible verse that helped guide him through his illness — Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Read more about this story on the Baptist Better Health blog.
