{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A Quality Life: Rock Man Willie\u2019s Rectal Cancer Story","description":"At an infusion clinic in Dayton, Ohio\u2014which provides chemotherapy treatment to cancer patients\u2014there\u2019s a man known by all as \u201cRock Man Willie.\u201d When he\u2019s there, Willie stops at each infusion station to chat with people who could use a good distraction. With him are an array of small hand-painted rocks he\u2019s designed himself which he hands out to cheer up those facing cancer. In return for these support rocks, Willie only asks for one thing from each recipient: a smile. Bringing a smile to others is Rock Man Willie\u2019s mission. But his journey to finding his own happiness has been fraught with ups and downs. In 2014, when he was 41-years-old, Willie was diagnosed with Stage IV Rectal Adenocarcinoma. The severe pain caused by the illness as well as symptoms from cancer treatment left him frustrated and debilitated. A four-year uphill climb led his oncologist to refer him to medical specialists who could help him regain his quality of life while continuing to fight the cancer. This is Rock Man Willie\u2019s palliative care story. ","author_name":"getpalliativecare's podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/getpalliativecare.org","html":"