The Future Happening Today
“You have cancer.” Bob Colli of Surprise recalls hearing the three words none of us ever want to hear.
Thanks to what his physicians said next, the former military logistics officer from the Army felt completely reassured that he was in great hands. That’s because he was informed his treatment options included minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery – advanced technology that was made possible by the generosity of the community.
After hearing about the benefits this type of surgery offered, Bob was all in. After surgery, he made a full recovery.
It turned out that robotic medical technology was there for Bob again years later when he needed surgery again – this time for his double hernia repair. He says both minimally invasive surgeries enhanced his recovery.
“I was able to return home sooner and recover more quickly,” says Bob.
He was glad because he had an active life to resume. Most recently, he enjoys living the good life at The Colonnade, a Sun Health Life Plan Community in Surprise. He loves being involved in a variety of activities, so life at The Colonnade is the perfect match. His calendar is filled with excursions, golf, hikes, and participating in Sun Health Wellness programs such as strength training, yoga, tai chi, cardio drumming, and line dancing.
While Bob is thankful he doesn’t need surgery these days, he is comforted to know the generosity of others is continuing to make possible a new type of robot that’s pivotal in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer – and one of only two in Arizona.
The robot is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy machine with groundbreaking technology that allows access to and biopsy of lung nodules in hard-to-reach-places to determine if it’s cancer. With greater reach and visibility, it’s now possible to detect lung cancer earlier and target more effective treatments.
“These robotic machines almost look like something out of Star Wars,” says Bob. I think robotic technology is the wave of the future. “It’s the future happening today.
Bob is grateful the latest advancements were available when he needed it most. Yet, without adequate funding for advanced technology, they simply would not be possible.
Your support is needed to ensure the newest advancements in medical care are there for you and your loved ones when you need it most. To make a difference, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/Generosity, or call (623) 471-8500.
