Fred was first diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma on 1998. At that time, surgeons removed the affected kidney and a large tumor in hopes that doing so would prevent the cancer’s spread. However, just a few years later, tumors were discovered in his lungs and had to be surgically removed. Eventually, another tumor developed in one of his lungs and had to be removed as well. These remarkable surgeries extended Fred’s life for many years so that he could enjoy his later years and watch the growth of his grandchildren. While he enjoyed some long periods where he appeared to be cancer free, periodic scans later revealed the presence of a brain tumor. Quite fortunately, surgeons were able to remove that tumor as well. It seemed as though Fred could take whatever fate threw at him. Fred was never one to give up; he fought on and on. At one point in 2008, doctors discovered what they potentially thought was an inoperable blockage in his heart. Yet, once again they found a way to keep Fred alive by successfully placing a stent into the affected artery. Subsequent periodic body scans eventually showed the development of additional tumors. However, at this point surgery was not an option due to his deteriorated health and physical condition. But yet again medicine defied the odds. Fred began taking a new cancer medication called Nexavar and this simple pill seemed to stop the cancer again. However, in the final year of his life the bruises from the fight were taking their toll. In the end, blood clots, a stroke, and another brain tumor proved to be insurmountable. But in retrospect, Fred survived more than 10 amazing years after his original diagnosis due to his courage and resolve.