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Author shows gratitude with book's proceeds

To thank Gulfcoast Oncology Associates for its kindness and his wife's good medical treatment, Peter Zeban gave it $500.

By RITA FARLOW
Published January 1, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - Peter Zeban knew within a few months of starting to write his book that he wanted to donate part of the proceeds to Gulfcoast Oncology Associates. His wife, Judy, was undergoing chemotherapy at the office at St. Anthony's Hospital since her diagnosis in 1999.

"They were a fantastic staff during her treatments. They were just such a good support system for us," Peter said.

While Peter worked on his book, Secret Stories from behind the Wheel, Judy helped with editing and organizing, and gave some constructive criticism.

The book is a compilation of stories collected during the 13 years that Peter spent as a limousine driver in New York City. Throughout the book's development, the couple drove from their Tierra Verde home to Gulfcoast Oncology several times a week for Judy's treatments.

The couple moved to Ruskin in November 2004, shortly after Peter's book was self-published through AuthorHouse. But the Zebans continued driving to St. Petersburg for Judy's appointments because they felt comfortable with the doctors and nurses there.

Last Thursday, they visited the office for Judy's six-month checkup and to present the staff with a $500 check - a donation given in thanks for years of kindness and good medical treatment.

"They just make you feel very comfortable. The nurses, when you go through chemo, are wonderful. They treat you like you're family. They're just very nice," Judy Zeban said.

Peter Zeban had vowed to donate to the office $1 from each book sold. After selling about 350 copies, the couple decided to up the donation to $500. "Our aim, as is everyone's, is to conquer cancer, and anything that I can do to help will make me smile a little bit more," Peter Zeban said.

Office manager Jane Morse-Swett said the donation was greatly appreciated and will be used to assist patients with financial needs.

Donations are used as needed - to pay for cab rides home for patients who can't drive after treatment, to pay for lymphoedema sleeves for breast cancer patients, or to help patients without insurance coverage.

"It really helps our patients. So many people are in need - the working poor, so many people that do have jobs but don't have insurance - it's really a disastrous situation for a lot of people. We're very lucky to be able to help these patients, and also to have patients that recognize that need," Morse-Swett said.

Going through oncology treatments can be tough, Morse-Swett said, and staffers try to act as advocates to help patients through the process. "We just try to make this whole experience as easy and as comfortable as we can for our patients and their families," she said.

Staffers are encouraged to get involved in community service projects and participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk, Morse-Swett said. Each year, the office hosts an appreciation picnic for patients, families and caregivers at Fort De Soto Park.

On Thursday, the Zebans gave the check to Morse-Swett and Dr. John A. Peterson, and brought in a cake donated by Publix of Sun City Center. Later, Judy had her blood drawn and had her last six-month checkup. In March, Judy will reach the five-year mark of being cancer-free, which means only one exam per year. The couple said they won't miss the treatments but will miss the staff.

"They were there for us when we needed help," Peter Zeban said.

Gulfcoast Oncology Associates is at 1201 Fifth Ave. N in St. Petersburg. For information on support groups, call 821-0017, or visit the Web site at www.gulfcoastoncology.com To order a copy of Secret Stories from behind the Wheel, visit the AuthorHouse Web site at www.authorhouse.com or call Peter Zeban at 813 642-9575.

[Last modified January 1, 2006, 00:28:15]