Retired educator Jon Lyon calls attitude, the ‘other medicine’. Diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in August 2003, Jon has fought his cancer with every treatment option possible and he continues to look for new therapies to keep his disease under control.

However, Jon believes that, as important as it is to aggressively seek out new therapies, it is equally important to come to terms with a chronic illness. His philosophy of life changed dramatically with his cancer diagnosis. Now this Cattaraugus County resident embraces friendships and family. He says he has learned to value and cherish everyday events and moments.

“I realized this was not necessarily a death sentence, but perhaps a sentence of life,” Jon said. “You can’t wish your disease away but I firmly believe that attitude plays a role in the quality of your life. I get up every day and do as many things as I can possibly do. Cancer is not going to dictate to me.”

After the initial diagnosis, Jon kicked up his travel schedule a notch, visiting Europe, Austria and the Caribbean. These days he spends his time closer to home, taking care of his 100-acre property and when weather permits, playing an occasional round of golf.

Says Jon, “Roswell Park is almost my second home. I love the people there. They treat me like a king. It’s almost embarrassing. When I come in, they know my name and it is ‘good morning’ to me personally. I have been to other hospitals but there is nothing that compares with the personal relationships you develop with the staff at Roswell Park.”

A fighter, Jon has actively researched treatment options for advanced prostate cancer and participated in several clinical studies. “They have brought me good, quality time. Some treatments have worked better than others but all have helped me to stay alive. I am confident that someday scientists will defeat this dreadful disease, and I want to be one of the first to receive that therapy.”

Jon’s message of hope for the holidays: “Embrace every day as if it were a gift. Drink in the wonders of life, give thanks for what you have and don’t waste a second.”