There’s something special about summertime on Long Island. Driving around in a convertible, walking along our beaches, feeling the sand between your toes, and taking in every breath of the warm, fresh air that surrounds you. There’s a feeling of calm that comes from catching sight of small details and enjoying each moment as it comes.
For Pattie and her husband, Larry, beach visits and vacations have always been part of the essence of their joy and routine. They’ve spent their lives traveling across Europe and the American Southwest and making frequent visits to family across the state. Though the couple’s lifestyle changed in 2025, when Pattie was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, trips and memories are sweeter now, carrying a special weight they didn’t have before.
If you catch Pattie on a treatment day, you’ll probably find her in one of our infusion chairs, nose-deep in a thrilling novel, with Larry close by. From afar, they might seem like any other couple you’d find in our office, but what you wouldn’t know is their upcoming weekend plans to see concerts, musicals, and plays at their favorite local theaters. You see, Pattie’s life has never revolved around limitations. Instead, for as long as she can remember, Pattie’s done all she can to make the most of every day she’s given. Today, as she sits in our infusion room, Pattie doesn’t harp on the unknown, but looks forward to all the good that is still to come. “I’m just ready to continue to live life, and watch my children and grandchildren grow up,” she says. With trips booked for next May to visit family and continue their adventures, Pattie and Larry stand firm in their hopes, even in the midst of her diagnosis.
Pattie and Larry recently celebrated surpassing the 1-year anniversary of her being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, something many patients with Pattie’s diagnosis don’t get to see. What some may see as a year of challenges, the couple saw as another year of life and all the joys it brings. They celebrated their “1-year anniversary of life,” as they call it, by surprising Dr. Torres, Pattie’s oncologist, with matching sparkly bowties for the 3 of them. Larry credits Dr. Torres for part of his optimism, stating he “helps guide Pattie with his positive attitude,” giving him and Pattie hope. “Torres is a great doctor, and the staff here understand what you are going through,” says Pattie, honoring them as the key to coping with such circumstances.
Aside from her team at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Patricia's family has been one of her greatest sources of support throughout this journey. From routine calls with her sister, son, and brother-in-law to prayers and notes of encouragement from family and friends, Patricia has been surrounded by love. Her greatest supporter, however, has been Larry. “Between sitting through all my treatment cycles, finding ways to enjoy non-chemo days… he’s always there for me, 24/7,” says Pattie. Larry has supported Pattie through every decision, every moment of joy or pain, and every day that’s come their way. As much as Larry supports her, he says Pattie is the real source of inspiration. Even on the days that are harder to smile through, “she keeps living and fighting,” says Larry. “She's my hero; we do every hard and fun thing we can together. That’s why I call her my Wonder Woman.” Whether they’re spending a morning on the beach together, chatting over Pattie’s favorite lobster-roll dinner, or sitting side by side during her treatments, they see each day as a gift and opportunity to express their love for each other.
The truth is, cancer can often feel all-encompassing. It can turn your world upside down and, at the very least, make changes in your daily schedule. Even so, life continues and so do we. At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we believe there’s more to life during cancer than treatment and appointments. There is love to spread and memories to make with family, friends, and even your care team. As Pattie and Larry’s philosophy states, there is something to be grateful for every day, so why not make the most of today? Why not celebrate a year of treatment, or another day with a loved one, or how good your favorite food tastes? After all, the greatest joys of life are often the smallest.
