20 Years After Diagnosis, He’s Making an Impact

As a country and gospel singer, Terry Hamilton spent a decade traveling between Nashville and Ohio to perform well-loved songs such as “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.”

He and his wife, Donna, eventually moved to Central Florida for a new career in real estate, without ever losing their shared love of music.

The next turn in their life story was a hard one. At age 42, Terry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“I was devastated and shocked,” he said. “A local doctor told me that maybe I had five years.”

But Hamilton, who lives about 80 miles from Tampa, decided to seek treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center. That was more than 20 years ago. His cancer is in remission, and he is thankful to everyone who has cared for him over the past two decades.

The Hamiltons recently decided to include Moffitt in their will because they want to ensure other patients receive the same high level of cancer care. They know their gift will go to research that could help find cures and ways of preventing others from getting cancer in the first place.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in cancer treatment, and people are living a lot longer, but there’s still a way to go,” Hamilton said. “I feel very blessed and this is a great way to pay it forward.”

August is Make a Will Month, which is the perfect time to follow the Hamiltons’ example. Take the next step by documenting your wishes and creating your free will with Giving Docs — helping protect your loved ones while making a lasting impact for patients at Moffitt.

“What I love about Moffitt is not only the cutting-edge technology but also their positive approach that gives you this sense of hope and optimism,” Hamilton said. “That makes a big difference in patients’ lives.”

Hamilton recently retired, and he and his wife are traveling around the country. For the first time in years, he is working to record a new album.

He’s grateful to everyone, including doctors and nurses at Moffitt, who have helped him along the way. And he’s happy for the opportunity to help others.

“For me personally, I want to do something where I can have the most impact on the greater good,” he said. “By giving to someone else, you can help humanity.”