When Gary Piontak, a retired information technology professional, marathon runner and triathlon competitor started having back pains, he thought it was a combination of overuse and aging.
But over time the pain worsened, reaching a point where he couldn’t walk to the bathroom without excruciating pain. In January 2023, he went for imaging tests at UNC Hospitals. The tests revealed a tumor on his spine, constricting his nerves. While getting the tumor removed led to instant physical relief, it would prove to be just the beginning of another challenge.
Tests on the tumor revealed Piontak had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While the lymphoma was aggressive, it was also treatable. And Piontak felt he was in good hands with his care team.
“You could tell a lot of research and thought was behind everything they were doing, and a sense of, ‘We know this is rough, but we’re here for you.’”
Piontak’s treatment included three months of chemotherapy followed by radiation — an experience he described as “completely draining.” Still, no stranger to endurance, Piontak dug in. Along with treatment, he took part in UNC Lineberger’s exercise program for cancer patients, Get Real & Heel, and volunteered in a patient advocacy group to help improve cancer care at UNC.
The connection and community gave Piontak a much-needed boost. “It was a lifesaver,” he said.
In November 2023, Piontak had completed treatment and his scans showed no signs of cancer. Now, he says, he’s focused on “being available as much as possible to family and friends and being in condition so I can run a 5K on Thanksgiving.”
