Robert SpyksmaRobert Spyksma vividly remembers that day in 2007, when he learned that he had cancer—and that his prognosis wasn’t good.

“When I look back on it, a lot of it seems surreal,” he says. “I never felt particularly sick and was very fit at the time of my diagnosis.”

Married, with two young children, Robert decided to seek a second opinion, which ultimately led him to Dr. Anthony El-Khoueiry at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

An internationally renowned oncologist, Dr. El-Khoueiry painted a dramatically different picture for Robert with regard to his treatment and outcome.

“He told me that he would get me into surgery and look for a way to cure me,” Robert says.

In that moment, Robert and his wife, Sarah, felt hopeful for the first time since that scary day. Now there was a chance that he and Sarah could spend many more happy years together, raising their children and leading healthy, active lives.

Over the course of his treatment, Robert developed a deep respect for Dr. El-Khoueiry’s medical expertise, as well as his compassion for his patients. Unlike some physicians, Dr. El-Khoueiry seemed “personally invested” in Robert’s health, both physical and emotional.

For the next 10 years, Dr. El-Khoueiry monitored Robert’s recovery. At their last appointment, when the doctor told him that he was cancer-free, Robert didn’t know how to react. He thanked Dr. El-Khoueiry and left his office, overwhelmed by the good news.

“It took a full day to absorb,” Robert says. After 10 long years, he was saying goodbye to Dr. El-Khoueiry, the man who had saved his life. For Robert and Sarah, the time was right to express their profound gratitude.

“We had felt very fortunate throughout the whole process and wanted to do something significant,” Robert says. After discussing their options, he and Sarah agreed to designate a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) to the USC El-Khoueiry Cancer Research Fund at the USC Norris Comprehensive Center.

“We hope our gift can make a difference for someone else down the line.”

Today, 15 years after he was diagnosed, Robert is symptom-free and enjoying time with family and friends—thanks to that second opinion from Dr. El-Khoueiry at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.