From Fighter Jets to Fighting Cancer: How A Veteran is Soaring Again
May 22, 2025
Mark Daniels, an 83-year-old who spent his life pushing boundaries, from the skies of Vietnam to the demanding world of commercial aviation, facing cancer not once, but twice, was the ultimate test of resilience.
This is the story of a veteran, a pilot, and a gym rat who credits Andre Goy, M.D., chair, vice president, and physician-in-chief of oncology at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center, with not just saving his life but giving it back to him.
From Diagnosis to Remission
In the early 2000s, veteran Mark Daniels was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He remembers the uncertainty, but most of all, he remembers Dr. Goy. "He was my lifeline," the veteran recalls. Under Dr. Goy's expert care, he underwent treatment and achieved a complete remission. He did well over time, and he eventually stopped follow-ups as he was perceived as cancer-free.
Life returned to normal. He continued his lifelong passion for fitness, hitting the gym regularly. He also returned to the skies, piloting his aerobatic plane, and his glider, a testament to his adventurous spirit. This veteran, who flew Navy fighter jets in Vietnam and later flew commercially for Continental Airlines, felt fortunate to have his life centered around his passion for flying.
A Nagging Pain & Cancer’s Return
Years later, a nagging pain in his groin and back, initially dismissed as a pulled muscle, turned into a relentless agony. Urgent care led to the emergency department, and the dreaded word echoed again: cancer. One thought remained clear: he needed to see Dr. Goy.
"He’s more than just a doctor; he’s a miracle worker," the veteran states emphatically. Dr. Goy saw him immediately, and Mark was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma. Treating it in his 80s, even given Mark's excellent physical condition, presented a significant challenge.
Mark started chemotherapy, but the side effects were severe and the response was poor. For decades, the only alternative in such cases has been high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation, not a feasible option for someone of Mark's age.
CAR T Therapy & a Cure
Dr. Goy recommended CAR T therapy. This revolutionary type of immunotherapy harnesses the power of a patient's own immune system to kill cancer cells. After just one cell infusion, it can cure 40 percent of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Today, Mark is cancer-free and cured. He is back to flying his aerobatic plane and enjoying life.
"It's an incredible privilege to have cared for this brave pilot,” said Dr. Goy. “He dedicated his life to serving our country. To see him conquer this disease, especially with the groundbreaking power of CAR T-cell therapy, as we approach Memorial Day, is deeply moving. His resilience and unwavering spirit are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve,” said Dr. Goy.
"I can’t express how grateful I am," Mark says of Dr. Goy. "He’s not just a brilliant physician; he’s a compassionate human being who truly cares about his patients." This sentiment is echoed in his description of Dr. Goy as a "miracle worker," a testament to the profound impact the doctor has had on his life.
Lastly, Mark explained, “although hospitals are buildings, the most important part is not the physical structure, but rather, the people inside the hospital. To my mind, this is what sets John Theurer Cancer Center apart from all the others.”
“Over the course of several months, I'm sure that I have encountered well over 100 different nurses, technicians and support people at John Theurer Cancer Center. And I can say without hesitation that I have never encountered a single person who was not professional and confident. Still, more importantly, every one of them conveyed a caring, helpful attitude. It was almost as if I were a part of their family, maybe their grandfather.”
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Andre Goy, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a cancer specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about cancer services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
