Cancer Patient Ecstatic Over Special Visit From Denver Broncos
By Kathy Walsh
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - There was an outbreak of Broncos Fever at the University of Colorado Hospital on Tuesday as several players and cheerleaders took time to visit patients.
One fan, in particular, got a special surprise. Gary Bowman is fighting cancer. He had no idea the Broncos would make a special stop for him.
"It's incredible. I did not expect this," Bowman gushed.
"You guys are my favorite team, have been since I was a little kid growing up," explained Bowman to the players and cheerleaders.
The Broncos singled him out, bringing him a signed football and four tickets to the Broncos-Raiders game on New Year's Day.
"You guys have done more than I could ever imagine," said a delighted Bowman while choking back tears.
Bowman is 61 years old and fighting bladder cancer. It was discovered at his annual physical, a practice he started 15 years ago when his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer.
"Those typical blood work and everything that they can do, it's all there for a reason and if you catch it early you can beat it," said Bowman.
Bowman joins UCHealth and the Broncos in their commitment to men's health awareness -- what they call "Mantenance."
Medical Oncologist Dr. Thomas Flaig of UCH said men often see doctors at the urging of their spouses.
"What we'd like to do is encourage men themselves to come forward to address these issues and really start a dialogue with their physicians about men's health and cancers that affect men," said Flaig.
Bowman is on his second type of chemotherapy. He's got his family, and now his favorite team, rooting for him. He told the players, "All I can say is let's go to the Super Bowl! I want to go back to back!"
You may have noticed some Denver sports venues and other buildings all lit up in blue. That's because blue is the national color of the men's health movement.
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.
