Published: October 13, 2025

Recognizing Cancer Awareness – Richard’s Journey

Within 6 days of my bone marrow cancer diagnosis, Dr. Jeff Vandeusen, the cancer team, and patient support services advised me of my options, insurance coverage, and started me on a treatment plan.  I’m confident that when Avita advances their cancer program in November as a new Cancer Center opens in Ontario, the impact they will have in support of people in our community diagnosed with cancer – breast, bone marrow, prostate, or any other type of cancer – will be taken care of close to home with physicians like Dr. Vandeusen and Dr. Roy Harris whom they know and trust.

A Thank You Video from Richard

Richard Harer’s Bone Marrow Cancer Journey Begins

At 81 years old, Richard Harer is no stranger to life’s challenges. He lives a busy life.  He and his brother, Ed, operate the family farm and drainage company that has been in the family since 1954. They farm beans and corn on nearly 2,000 acres of land. Richard also serves on the Avita Health Foundation Board, volunteers for 4-H and at the Crawford County Fair, is active in his local Church, and has participated in mission work in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He is a grandfather to 6. His life is full, but this past summer everything changed. His faith, determination, and the support of his family would soon be the driving forces behind his cancer survival – for the second time.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

Richard is no stranger to the Avita Health System. Physicians helped him overcome high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, and helped him to navigate and survive prostate cancer. His latest journey started this past summer when he was experiencing fatigue, iron deficiency, loss of appetite, and some weight loss. “I started to feel an overwhelming sense of fatigue and that concerned me,” Richard shared. He decided to ask his son-in-law, Dr. Roy Harris in Bucyrus, for help. “He told me he would set up an appointment with Avita’s Medical Oncologist, Dr. Jeff Vandeusen, stating he is innovative and a fantastic physician – one of the best.”  After running blood tests, they discovered that Richard’s white blood cell count was dangerously abnormal. Without hesitation, Dr. Vandeusen scheduled a bone marrow biopsy.

The results came back quickly, and they were life-altering. Richard was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. With the seriousness of his diagnosis, Dr. Vandeusen proposed a series of medications prior to deciding on chemotherapy. Though a prostate cancer survivor of 10 years, the battle against cancer for Richard truly began again.

A Cancer Battle Begins

Dr. Vandeusen explained to Richard and his family the urgent need to begin treatment. However, Richard’s treatment was far from straightforward. Although the bone marrow cancer was diagnosed very early, chemotherapy and a possible bone marrow transplant were real possibilities that weighed heavily on his mind. 

At this point in his treatment, Richard was feeling pretty good. Fall is one of the busiest times of year on the farm and he was happy to be busy and back to work. “I had a lot of people praying for me, and I could feel their prayers,” Richard said. In addition to his faith, his family was his greatest source of motivation. “My family means the world to me and I had a lot of reasons to follow the treatment plan and fight,” he said.  The journey through prostate cancer and now bone marrow cancer is not just a physical one; it requires emotional resilience. Richard said, “It’s not an easy one and not only do you need the support of a great hospital system, you need a support system – physical, mental and emotional – to get through it.”

Richard Reflects on the Care Provided by the Nurses and Cancer Team

“There are so many nurses and each one focuses on patient-centered care, making sure you are the priority,” he said. “All the nurses, both inpatient and outpatient, know what they’re doing, and it is so clear how much they care about people in this community who need their help,” Richard added. He described that the cancer team, patient services, and pharmacy have been extremely influential as he begins his bone marrow cancer journey. “Dr. Vandeusen and his team work as a unit. It’s not just one doctor, but a group of professionals reviewing charts, tests, and making collaborative decisions best for each patient like me.”

A Message Of Hope And Gratitude

Richard’s message to anyone facing bone marrow cancer, breast cancer, or any other type of cancer is simple: you can’t do it alone. Whether it’s a spouse, a family member, or a friend, you need a support system to help you through the most challenging days. His gratitude for his medical team at Avita is unmatched, from the expert physicians like Dr. Vandeusen, to the attentive nursing staff, pharmacists, and all patient-centered services that support each patient. “I’m thankful for the advanced care I continue to receive from Avita and unwavering support of my family, especially my wife Janet. Avita is at the cutting edge of care of all cancer care,” he declared.  “They know what they’re doing and are there for you every step of the way.”  So, if you or a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis, lean on your primary care physicians and the cancer center team at Avita because they can make the difference.

In honor of Richard and all cancer patients:

Or send your check payable to the Avita Health Foundation to:

Avita Health Foundation
Attention:  Hospice & Palliative Care Month
269 Portland Way South
Galion, Ohio 44833