Read Time: 5 minutes
Takeaways:
- A dual cancer diagnosis led Walter Chu to lifesaving treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
- Innovative therapies like CAR T-cell treatment helped Walter become lymphoma-free.
Impact: Because of the world-class care he received at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Walter Chu and his family now fundraise for cancer research through Huntsman Cancer Foundation SportsFest.
Walter Chu’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, cutting-edge medical care, and a positive mindset in the face of life-altering challenges.
In December 2018, Walter began experiencing urinary issues, prompting a visit to a medical facility on his military base. What started as a routine checkup quickly became a life-changing discovery. Doctors found his prostate enlarged, leading to further testing at Huntsman Cancer Institute, where he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That’s when something even more unexpected happened. A full-body CT scan revealed an entirely different, asymptomatic challenge—lymphoma.
“I was showing no symptoms at all,” Walter recalls. “If we hadn’t discovered this, I would have been dead.”
Facing Cancer Head-On
Walter’s lymphoma required immediate action. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy, which initially seemed promising. But when the disease returned and resisted treatment, his care team recommended a splenectomy, followed by CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that modifies a patient’s T cells to attack cancer directly. T cells naturally fight cancer, but cancer cells can stop them from working. When that happens, doctors extract the patient’s blood and add CAR cells, engineered receptors that help T cells kill cancer.
“I decided I’m not going to let cancer win”
The therapy was intense. Walter spent two weeks in hospital isolation, experiencing extreme fatigue and low blood pressure. He also had to be isolated at home for 100 days afterward. Yet, through it all, he maintained a sense of humor and a positive outlook. “I decided I’m not going to let cancer win,” he says. “I tried to maintain a positive attitude through this, and that’s what helped me a lot.”
Today, Walter is lymphoma-free. His prostate cancer, which has metastasized to his bones, is managed through a daily oral chemotherapy regimen that keeps the disease dormant.
The Role of Care and Community
Walter credits his survival to modern medicine and the incredible care team at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“The nurses were incredible,” he says. He shares fond memories of moments like when the staff surprised him with a birthday celebration during his CAR T-cell treatment, small gestures that made a profound impact. Walter also credits the role research played in his journey. Treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, once experimental, have now become lifesaving options for patients with aggressive blood cancers.
Paying It Forward
Inspired by his own journey, Walter and his family have been involved with Huntsman Cancer Foundation SportsFest for five years as a way to both give back for the care he received at Huntsman Cancer Institute and pay it forward to help others who face their own diagnosis.
SportsFest, held every year in June, welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds, with opportunities for everyone to get involved. Whether running, walking, riding, taking part in the scavenger quest, or volunteering, this event brings the community together to support groundbreaking cancer research. Every dollar raised supports the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“SportsFest has been a lot of fun,” Walter says. “It’s a group activity and one of those things you get involved in that you never really thought about before. I like doing it.”
What began as a way to give back quickly became a family tradition involving his wife and son. Walter has also embraced regular walks and home workouts, motivated by the desire to support cancer research and maintain his health.
“Walter’s story reflects the true impact of philanthropy. Because of donor support, patients have access to innovative treatments, world-class care teams, and the hope that comes with knowing they are not facing cancer alone,” says Michael D. Delzotti, FAHP, CFRE, President and COO, Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Lessons in Positivity and Perseverance
Walter’s story is one of courage, humor, and the determination to live life fully despite immense challenges. He credits his positive attitude, the support of his family, and the dedication of his care team with helping him navigate the most difficult chapters of his life.
For Walter, the message is clear: Early detection saves lives, research offers hope, maintaining a resilient mindset can make all the difference, and giving back is how hope moves forward.
As he continues to advocate for cancer research and participate in Huntsman Cancer Foundation events, Walter exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the power of community as we move toward a world without cancer.