Dave Thorell of Loomis, Nebraska, was the voice of rural Nebraska for more than 40 years.

After joining KRVN Radio in Lexington, Nebraska, in 1974, people throughout Nebraska would tune into his daily radio show for his humor and stories about growing up on the family farm.

So when Thorell was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL) approximately seven years ago, it was only natural for him to share his cancer journey to his listeners during his daily show.

“It became a ministry for me,” says Thorell. “I’ve always felt a desire to talk to people who were sick or had cancer, but I didn’t know how. After I started talking about my experience, people would call in to talk to me about their own experience or that of a family member. When you can share your problems with others going through the same thing, there’s a special connection.”

Thorell began his cancer treatment in Kearney, Nebraska, but when his condition worsened after a month of treatment, several friends encouraged him to go to Nebraska Medical Center for a second opinion. By this time, Thorell says he could barely sit up.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to go back to work again,” he recalls. “I went on air after the third week of treatment and let my listeners know what was happening, and that I hoped to be back on the air again soon.”

“When Dave came to us, he was very sick,” says Matthew Lunning, DO, hematologist and oncologist.“ His cancer was behaving very aggressively and had become life threatening. The chemotherapy he was being treated with often needs weeks to work but he likely did not have weeks left. So we put him on a stronger chemotherapy even though it could potentially have more side effects.”

It saved his life.

“Once we started treatment, I started feeling differently fairly quickly,” recalls Thorell.

Within two months, Thorell was feeling good and back behind the microphone again. Dr. Lunning was able to change his chemotherapy to a less aggressive type, which he remains on today to continue suppressing the cancer.

“I was quite impressed with the care I received at the Nebraska Medical Center,” says Thorell. “I’m quite sure that I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the extraordinary treatment I received there. I didn’t realize we had such great care right here in Nebraska.”

When Thorell retired from his broadcast position in 2016, he decided to continue public speaking as well as his weekend pastoral ministry in which he travels throughout Nebraska and nearby states to fill in for pastors when they are sick or unavailable.

He uses these opportunities to spread the word about his experience and to help others dealing with cancer or other life-threatening conditions. “Now I know how to talk to other people going through cancer – there’s an immediate bond. I’m so thankful that I can turn this into a positive experience by using it to minister to others.”

Thorell and his wife, Patti, found another way to give back to future cancer victims. They recently made a donation to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in honor of Dr. Lunning and James Armitage, MD, hematologist and oncologist, to help advance cancer research and treatment and help other families struggling with this difficult disease.

“Donations like this, no matter how big or small, are incredibly important to help us move research forward and to help other patients and families going through this difficult journey,” says Dr. Lunning. “We are very thankful to the Thorell family for their generosity.”

Help make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Learn more at nufoundation.org.