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It’s been six years now, but Pieter Holland remains unable to thank the health care professionals at Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono enough for what they did for him.
“I wouldn’t be here if not for the great people at Hughes Cancer Center,” says the 68-year-old Holland, a musician known throughout eastern Pennsylvania for his popular 24/7 web radio station Live from Rock ’n Roll Ranch. “This is a way for me to express my gratitude.”
Holland and his wife, Sally Holland, have organized a special benefit rock show, “Rockers for Hughes Cancer Center,” at noon on Sept. 22 at the Pocono Manor. Admission to the benefit concert is $10 per person. Six bands will play at the benefit including Holland’s own Pieter Holland Band as well as Long Time Coming, Felix And The Cats, Friar Point Band, Bad Influence, and Who Knows Band. Eric Noone and Lyman Winner of the Frogtown Chophouse in Swiftwater, Pa., will be the special guest masters of ceremony.
Shoulder injury leads to unexpected diagnosis
Holland, a well-respected guitarist and drummer who has played with top artists such as Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stephen Stills and Glen Campbell, began his cancer journey after injuring his right shoulder moving equipment at his studio in March 2013. While getting his shoulder checked, his orthopedic specialist noticed a growth on his left arm and referred him to Hughes Cancer Center.
“It turned out to be stage 4 Merkel cell carcinoma,” Holland says. “Three days later, they removed the tumor and found the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. I started intensive chemotherapy and radiation immediately.”
Many times during his cancer treatment, Holland felt ready to give up. He credits all of his Hughes caregivers for constantly picking up his spirits with their positive attitudes. He was overjoyed when he was deemed cancer free.
“Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and very aggressive form of skin cancer,” says Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. “The wonderful outcome in this case is a testament to the outstanding care offered every day at the Hughes Cancer Center.”
LVH–Pocono saves his life again
Holland had another health scare last February. He was about to have surgery for a bone spur on his foot at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono when his blood pressure measured extremely high.
“I had a cardiac stent implanted in Las Vegas in 1998 and initially the thinking was the problem was related to that.” Holland says. “It turned out I had four arteries each with 98 percent blockage. I ended up getting quadruple bypass surgery. So LVH–Pocono has really saved my life twice.”
“Rockers for Hughes Cancer Center” will take place on Sept. 22 at the Pocono Manor from 12pm to 8pm. Admission to the benefit concert is $10. For more information, call 570-595-0622. And to learn more about Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono, call 888-402-LVHN (5846).