Troy Lisica (center) of rural Hoyt will receive a family trip to Florida later this month through the Dream Foundation. Lisica, who is a retired sergeant from the army, is battling stage four brain cancer. Lisica was notified of the trip on Monday morning. Those pictured include (from left) Greg Burden, executive director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Lisica and his wife, Michelle, and Rep. Becky Hutchins of the 61st District. Lisica (right) with his neighbor, Jim Seematter.

Veteran battling brain cancer receives "wish"

A local veteran battling stage four brain cancer was honored on Monday with a free family trip to Disney World in Florida through the Dream Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of adults facing life-threatening illnesses.

Retired Sergeant First Class Troy Lisica of rural Hoyt was surprised on Monday with notification that his family of five would receive a free trip to Florida later this month.

The surprise ceremony at the family’s home was conducted by members of the Dream Foundation, U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Rep. Becky Hutchins of the 61st District, Greg Burden, executive director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs and other friends and family members.

“It all happened so fast,” said Michelle Lisica, Troy’s wife. “They handed us a big basket that included the plane tickets, matching shirts for us to wear and a huge cake.”

Congresswoman Jenkins also presented Troy with a flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of his service to the country and his fight against cancer.

While serving active duty in the Army in 2005, Troy suffered a seizure and an MRI revealed a stage two brain tumor. Michelle said the tumor was treated with radiation and Troy was able to continue to serve in the Army, deploying overseas in Iraq.

“He was good for seven years until another biopsy revealed he had stage four Glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor, in April 2012,” Michelle said.

The family moved to Jackson County two months after the second diagnosis to be closer to Michelle’s mother in Topeka.

“We absolutely love it here,” Michelle said. “We didn’t know a lot of people when we first moved here, but we’ve been blessed with great neighbors who help us cut our grass and watch out for us.”

Troy’s tumor is located on the right side of his brain, leaving him without any mobility in his left arm. He also needs to use a cane to walk, Michelle said, noting that he struggles with seizures from time to time.

“He’s still fighting,” she said. “He was able to put shoes on for the first time in a year last weekend. He’s had so many open wounds on his ankles that he hasn’t been able to wear normal shoes.”

Troy was medically discharged and retired from the Army in June 2013 where he served for 18 years. He was deployed three times during his career to Kuwait, Macedonia and Iraq.

Michelle said the palliative care team at Stormont Vail hospital encouraged the family to apply for the Dream Foundation program, and the couple filled out the form in November.

The Dream Foundation’s “Dreams for Veterans” program gives back to terminally ill veterans and their families through the fulfillment of a final wish. Final wishes range from basic need items (like a working appliance or mobility scooter) to bedside reunions, final vacations with family, “meet and greets” with personal heroes or reconnecting with aspects of former military service.

The family, which includes TJ, 12; Isabelle, 6; and Gabrielle, 4; will spend four days in Florida at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. The couple will also celebrate their 19 wedding anniversary on March 7.

Michelle said that there is nothing doctors can do to remove the cancer from Troy’s brain but that maintenance chemotherapy is administered to him daily to keep the cancer under control.

“We’re just trying to keep things as normal as we can for our family,” Michelle said. “Everything is day by day.”

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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