When Joe and I exchanged our vows 28 years ago, I knew what his promise meant to me—that he’d help me rejoice in times of health, and stand by me through devastating illness.

What I didn’t realize was that he would go on to make that same promise every single day to his patients, as Dr. Joseph Mignone.

With every supporting hug, with every hand he holds in his, he offers that same quiet vow—just like he did with me. 

He will be their doctor, “in sickness and in health.” Through the trenches of chemotherapy and the long years of survivorship that follow.

And just like I’ve shown him love and trust, year after year, his patients do the same. Visit after visit, they come back to him—welcoming his warm embrace, his well wishes, his wise advice, and his calm support.

This is why we do what we do. Why we created SurvivorRx. Because he wants to keep showing up for his patients—and because I believe every person deserves a doctor just like him.He is with them through the fear and the pain, but also as they grow stronger, healthier, happier—even when they fall off track and come back again. He never fails them. He never holds grudges. He is always ready to try again.

“Small steps,” he says, “lead you to success.”

Over the years, they’ve shown him their gratitude in so many ways. He brings these gifts home, proudly, like a child carrying an excellent report card. His whole life depends on this kind of love.

I see it in the berries and the flowers from their gardens, the paintings, fish from faraway joyful fishing trips and mementos from family vacations. Once, he even brought home a small tree.

They come for his advice, but they stay for the hope he shares, and the quiet dignity and respect he offers. He cares for their bodies just like he cares for their minds and hearts.

I share him with them willingly—because I’ve always known this was bigger than our vows.

It was his soul’s mission… and mine.