Two Holy Cross Health Cancer Patients Share Their Survival Stories

Patient Yvette Brown with Holy Cross Medical Group gastroenterologist Patrick Amar, MD 

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2.1 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, they begin to feel their mortality. Thanks to earlier diagnosis and advances in treatments and technology, survival rates have increased over the last six decades. 

The National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship states there are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the nation. In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month in June, two local survivors have bravely shared their personal stories to raise awareness about listening to one’s body when noticing symptoms and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

When Coral Springs resident Yvette Brown spotted blood in her stool and experienced constipation, she knew something was wrong. Yet, at age 41 at the time, she was stunned to learn she had colon cancer. “I knew my two children weren’t ready yet in their stage of life to be in this world without me, so I had to fight to make sure I was able to be here for them,” she said.

Holy Cross Medical Group gastroenterologist Patrick Amar, MD took the lead on her case. Through surgery, the cancer in her colon was removed and 15 years later, she remains cancer-free. Not only is she there for her two children, but she’s since welcomed a grandchild who she gets to see grow up.

“She’s living a healthy, productive life,” said Dr. Amar.

Brown wants her experience to inspire others to get timely, lifesaving medical care. “One of the things I want to say to anyone young or old who has experienced symptoms and probably has the propensity to overlook them, please don’t. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed,” she said. “Tell someone who you know and trust that can advocate for you or help you advocate for yourself. Make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your chances of survival.”

 

(left to right) Scott Moore, Director of Parks & Recreation, City of Pompano Beach; Casey Dickenson, RN, Holy Cross Health; Sharon A. Walters, RN, Holy Cross Health; patient Brad Campbell, Senior Recreation Leader, City of Pompano Beach; Audrey Fesik, District 1 Commissioner, City of Pompano Beach; Alison Fournier, Vice Mayor, City of Pompano Beach; and Rex Harden, Mayor, City of Pompano Beach 

In May 2025, Brad Campbell, a former college and high school offensive coordinator in South Florida, noticed a lump on his neck, so he scheduled an appointment with Ian Singer, MD, his primary care physician at Holy Cross Medical Group. Dr. Singer ordered a CAT scan and MRI to investigate the growth, ultimately diagnosing a squamous cell carcinoma when biopsy results came in.

Campbell was understandably scared. He is a father of three daughters and, coincidentally, his ex-wife was also battling neck cancer simultaneously. Following surgery, he underwent chemo and radiation, supervised by radiation oncologist and diagnostic radiologist Lav Goyal, MD. Campbell rang the celebratory bell last Halloween to mark the end of his chemo treatment and officially entered remission in January. 

“I put full trust in the Holy Cross Health team. They are second to none. My care team has become like family,” he said. “Now, I’m living life every day to the fullest.”

Ever since, Campbell has used his platform as a Senior Recreation Leader for the City of Pompano Beach to advocate for early detection at community events. City of Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin proclaimed April 2026 as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in the city. Campbell was joined by nurses from Holy Cross Health’s Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at the meeting when the proclamation was read.

Although Campbell’s story has a happy ending, he doesn’t sugarcoat his journey to remission. Adjusting to relying on a feeding tube for nourishment was the most difficult experience for him. He also had to take about two weeks off work when his blood counts dropped too low and he needed to avoid being around other people while his immune system was compromised.

Campbell, who also coaches youth, high school and college quarterbacks at Mastrole Passing Academy, has since returned to work full-time at the city and credits his co-workers for providing him with moral support, milkshakes and laughter along the way. He never sat through a chemo treatment alone. In fact, Casey Dickinson, the sister of his boss, was his nurse in the cancer center infusion department and she treated him as if he were her brother. 

Despite Brown and Campbell overcoming very different forms of cancer, their key takeaway is the same. They both encourage everyone to watch for signs and make that appointment with the doctor as soon as possible. When it comes to health, ignorance is not bliss.

To learn more about cancer care at Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com/cancer.