Patient Stories

They had recently embraced a comfortable pace of life in Cincinnati, relishing the parks of Blue Ash, the welcoming neighborhood restaurants and the community’s many amenities. Life was about family, friendship, and giving back to the community. The simple joys – days spent in the park, shared meals with friends, and moments with their children and grandchildren – brought a rich sense of peace and purpose to their lives. Yet, in January 2023, their lives took an unexpected and life-altering turn.

Ron’s journey began with a routine physical in December 2022, an appointment he and Barb never imagined would change their lives so profoundly. When his blood sugar came back alarmingly high, the doctor diagnosed him with diabetes, a manageable condition but nonetheless a health challenge. Yet, during follow-up testing, a shadow detected on a sonogram raised concerns. His doctors ordered additional scans, and soon after, the devastating news was confirmed: Ron had pancreatic cancer, a fast-growing and often aggressive cancer, which had already spread to his liver.

Traversing the Dimly Lit Path of a Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Patient

The pancreatic cancer diagnosis hit Ron and Barb with a gut-wrenching force, unleashing an overwhelming mix of emotions. Yet Ron, with his trademark optimism, didn’t let fear consume him. Instead, he focused on hope and the belief that he could face whatever came his way with strength and courage. His resilience, deeply rooted in his faith and life philosophy, set the tone for the journey ahead, which would soon become a testament to his endurance and the power of groundbreaking medical advancements.

Embracing Hope Through Clinical Trials

Shortly after his diagnosis, Ron was referred to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, a leading institution known for its innovative treatments and compassionate care. Realizing the complexity of Ron’s case, his initial oncologist referral connected him to Dr. Sohal, a nationally recognized expert in pancreatic cancer. Within days, Ron met with Dr. Sohal, who outlined a treatment plan that included the option of joining a clinical trial. Led by Dr. Sohal and supported by an FDA grant of nearly $2 million, the clinical trial was coordinated through the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. It was designed along with standard of care chemotherapy to offer the most advanced care possible while exploring new horizons in cancer treatment, providing Ron and Barb with a much-needed sense of confidence and reassurance.

The clinical trial offered Ron not only a chance to combat his illness but also an opportunity to contribute to a larger cause. He knew the path would be challenging and the uncertain outcome, but Ron was determined to make his journey meaningful. "I felt like if I could help others through this, it was worth the effort," he explained. His courage in taking this step would soon set an inspiring example for others facing similar diagnoses.

Persevering Through Treatment Challenges

The trial, structured as a double-blind study, meant Ron would remain unaware of whether he was receiving the investigational drug or a placebo. Despite the uncertainty, his initial scans showed signs of tumor shrinkage, and for the first time, a glimmer of hope shone through the darkness of his diagnosis. His response relieved him and Barb and everyone around him, his family, friends, and the dedicated team at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center who had come to care for him deeply.

A New Chapter: Genetically Modified Immunotherapy

Pancreatic cancer stories are among the hardest to share, yet Ron infuses each chapter of his journey with unwavering hope.

When the first round of chemo and the clinical trial drug was no longer effective, which was determined in a progress CT scan, Dr. Sohal started Ron on a different chemotherapy treatment.  In September 2024 a new CT scan showed that this therapy was no longer effective.  With unwavering resolve, Dr. Sohal presented a new treatment option, a pioneering therapy involving genetically modified white blood cells designed to attack cancerous tumors. The innovative approach required a complex process, but Ron’s resolve was unshaken. “It was another chance,” he said. “Another chance to keep fighting.”

To prepare for the new treatment, Ron’s immune system had to be temporarily suppressed. His white blood cells were extracted, sent to a specialized lab, and genetically altered to target his specific cancer cells. Once reintroduced, these cells were meant to seek out and attack his tumors. For Ron, this represented a groundbreaking approach that went beyond traditional treatments, offering the possibility of a future with more days spent with his family, more moments cherishing life, and more time at home enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

By the time Ron entered his second clinical trial, he understood the risks and the unknowns more clearly than ever. It was a decision grounded in hope and a deeply held belief that contributing to cancer research was a way of giving back. “So many people before me went through trials to give us the treatments we have today,” he said. “I want to be part of that legacy.” This desire to give back became an anchor for Ron, strengthening his resolve even in the most challenging moments.

Contributing to Cancer Research for Future Patients

The trial, conducted at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, gave him new treatment and renewed his sense of purpose. Though challenging, his journey was never solely about himself. Ron was also paving a path for future patients, setting an example of bravery, and participating in pancreatic cancer research that could lead to life-saving therapies. Every appointment, every test, every scan represented another step forward for medicine, another piece of knowledge that could one day save lives.

Through all of this, Ron’s positivity has been his hallmark. Friends, family, and fellow patients often remark on his unwavering optimism. His children and grandchildren look up to him with admiration, drawing strength from his resilience. His wife, Barb, by his side throughout every stage speaks of his ability to focus on hope even in the face of fear, a quality that has only grown stronger with each trial.

Lighting the Treatment Path with Positivity, Faith and Determination

When asked how he maintains such positivity, Ron reflects on words shared early in his journey: “We live in a remarkable time in medicine.” His experience at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center reinforced his belief that science and faith can coexist, each offering its own form of hope. He shares this message with others facing cancer, reminding them that a positive attitude can make all the difference. “Attitude is everything,” he says. “Trust in your doctors, take advantage of the resources around you, and stay open to new treatments. There’s always hope.”

Inspiring Hope and Resilience in the Fight Against Cancer

Ron Solomon’s journey is more than a story of a man battling cancer; it is a narrative of courage, hope, compassion, and contribution. He embodies the spirit of modern medicine, where patients are no longer passive recipients of care but active participants in the quest for a cure. With the love of his family, the dedication of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, and his determination, Ron is a beacon of hope for the future, reminding us all that resilience and faith can truly change the course of a life – and maybe even the course of medicine itself.