There’s No Place Like Home for Pat Gerrick

Pat Gerrick, Chapel Hill, NC

Pat Gerrick's fascination with history and culture has transported her to far corners of the world
including locales in South Africa and China. You might say that Pat forged her own yellow brick
road on her quest to discover and explore distant lands.

That is until four years ago when Pat's travel plans were abruptly put on hold with the unexpected diagnosis of cancer. She was in the midst of job relocation from Indiana assuming the position of North Carolina State Deputy Treasurer. Physically fit, Pat was in disbelief when climbing a set of stairs while touring Peace College left her gasping for breath. Something was very wrong.

An emergency room visit to UNC confirmed the shocking diagnosis of acute leukemia. Friends and colleagues offered support and assistance in evaluating options for medical consultation.

New collegues and friends from the Triangle provided a support network that would rival that of a lifetime resident.

It was the week before Thanksgiving, a holiday Pat was going to spend with her children and mom in Atlanta. The much anticipated family reunion would have to wait. "The State Treasurer saved the day by arranging flights for my family to fly in and spend the holiday with me. It was such a comfort to have my family around me. It didn't matter that they slept at the Sheraton and spent the day at UNC Hospital." Pat wasted no time to get second opinions, and consulted with specialists at M.D. Anderson, Dana Farber and Sloan Kettering. When they heard that she would be treated by Dr. Thomas Shea the consensus was unanimous: "There is no reason for you to leave home. Stay at UNC."

Pat, who qualified for a clinical trial, would soon undergo a series of intense treatments and hospitalizations that culminated in a successful bone marrow transplant. She found the strength to work from her hospital bed as often as she could, although she marvels at the incredible support and flexibility of her employer.

Treatments behind her and pronounced "in remission," Pat is passionate about the superb care she received at UNC. At last she was able to make the journey to Atlanta for Thanksgiving and spend it with her family.

The world still beckons and plenty of new adventures are still in store. But for Pat Gerrick, when it comes to excellent cancer care, there is no place like home!