Timothy J. Moran

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

My local oncologist confirmed AML and referred me to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa — three hours from home. That same night, I was transported by ambulance to what would become my home for the next few months: 4 South, a ward I’ll never forget.

The first round of chemotherapy, including “the Red Devil,” didn’t work. A stronger regimen followed, and it hit me hard — my hair fell out, I developed severe colitis, and I was in constant pain. Then, while my immune system was wiped out, my appendix ruptured. I was too weak for surgery, and the odds were grim.

When I asked my infectious disease doctor, Dr. Greene, if I was going to make it, he said only, “This is survivable.” It didn’t feel that way.

Meanwhile, my wife Annmarie was dealing with her own crisis — our RV home had flooded during a hurricane. She was alone, trying to salvage what she could while I lay in a hospital bed fighting for my life.

Then came a miracle: Dr. Greene ran a special test and found that a rare mold was attacking my system. After intense antifungal treatments, I finally stabilized.


One Battle After Another

Once I regained some strength, I was sent home to heal and prepare for surgery. We had lost our home, so Annmarie and I found a new RV near the hospital. Three days later, I was back in the ER — this time for emergency gallbladder surgery. My surgeon, Dr. Fan, also removed my ruptured appendix in a single operation that likely saved my life.

Throughout it all, Annmarie brought snacks and homemade treats to the nursing staff every week. Her kindness built lifelong friendships and made my care team feel like family.

Eventually, I qualified for the bone marrow transplant program and even had a donor match. But before we could begin, another complication hit — a bowel blockage caused by earlier damage. Dr. Fan came through once more with a successful surgery.

As I recovered, I found a swollen lymph node under my chin. Tests showed a second cancer, this time at the base of my tongue. I underwent five weeks of daily radiation — painful, exhausting, but effective.


A Second Chance

Nearly a year after my diagnosis, I was still in complete remission. My oncologist, Dr. Sallman, explained that my AML type (inv(16)) was lower risk, and since I’d made it a full year in remission, the risks of a transplant outweighed the benefits.

I asked him, “What am I supposed to do now?” He smiled and said, “Go live your life.”

That moment changed everything.

It’s been 16 months since my diagnosis. I still tire easily, and my numbers aren’t perfect, but I’m alive — and that’s enough reason to move forward with purpose.


Why Campers for Cancer

During treatment, I saw a huge gap in available support. There were programs to help with housing, but none were available when I needed it most. I dreamed of a peaceful place where patients and families could heal — close to care, yet far from stress.

That’s why I started Campers for Cancer

I launched it with a $5,000 personal donation and a $25,000 no-interest loan from myself, payable only after we reach financial stability. Every dollar raised will be used responsibly and transparently to help others through the hardest battle of their lives — with dignity, care, and compassion.

Campers for Cancer
Close to Care, Far from Stress, Always Free

— Timothy J. Moran