Cleveland Clinic is like family.

I’ve worked here as a contractor for more than 20 years, and I always get such a good feeling when I’m here. I felt fortunate to be asked to work on Taussig Cancer Center; I poured my heart and soul into that building. I’d tell our team all the time, “It’s more than just a building. This is hope for everybody who walks through the door.”

I never expected that it would be me needing to feel that hope. But when my wife, Kelly, went in for her annual physical, she mentioned that she was experiencing some reflux. Her doctor applied pressure to her sternum, which caused a lot of pain. The doctor ordered some tests and sent her quickly to a liver specialist, who did a Whipple resection.1 Kelly was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma2 and treated with chemotherapy. She did well in remission for 14 months before the cancer returned.

The care at Cleveland Clinic exceeded every expectation for Kelly and me. Even the valet staff said they would pray for us.

Larry and Kelly Ayer ended their cancer journey with the deepest faith and love for each other. Kelly passed away in 2019.

Notes

  1. A surgical procedure involving the pancreas, small intestine, bile duct and gallbladder.
  2. Cancer of the bile duct.

Kelly Ayer reflects on her care at Cleveland Clinic.