John Molter’s Inspiration to Honor Debra’s Cancer Journey
A huge hockey fan, John Molter was watching a game on Hockey Fights Cancer™ Night when something unexpected stopped him in his tracks. When former NHL player, V Foundation ambassador and cancer ‘thriver’ Eddie Olczyk came on the screen and shared the names of those in his life who were battling the disease, his message left John feeling there was no other choice but to act. Eddie’s message of perseverance for those living with cancer moved John and reminded him of his late wife, Debra, who embodied the same unwavering spirit.
John felt compelled to share Debra’s story. Her strength and resilience are qualities that continue to guide him today. Loved by all of her friends and family, Debra was warm and kind, someone who enjoyed going out to dinner and a night at the theater.
Debra’s first encounter with cancer came in 1998, just two years after the birth of her daughter, when she was diagnosed with vulvar cancer. She endured radical surgery, intense radiation, and chemotherapy. But through it all, John witnessed her unshakeable determination firsthand. After years of building a life together, John and Debra believed their future would be filled with simple joys, dinners out, concerts, and time spent together.
Facing Advanced Endometrial Cancer
However, toward the end of 2023, Debra began to express her concern about not feeling well and experiencing persistent bloating. John also noticed she had been off balance and shaking while doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping or driving.
Things took a concerning turn at a New Year’s Eve party when Debra suddenly felt much worse. By January 2, John and Debra knew they couldn’t wait any longer. They went to the emergency room, where a CT scan revealed the devastating news: 27 years after her first diagnosis, Debra had advanced endometrial cancer.
Embracing the “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”® Spirit
Immediately, John and Debra shifted into action forming a game plan and researching the best care options, ultimately choosing NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. Amid fear and uncertainty, they chose hope. John recalled, “Your emotions start going, and then you say, ‘Okay, let’s have hope. Let’s do what the doctors are telling us.’”
Debra underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, then additional rounds of therapies. Though each new challenge brought uncertainty, Debra remained hopeful through every setback.
Watching Debra face every obstacle head-on reminded John of another Italian American New Yorker he admired – Jim Valvano. John had once shown Debra Jim’s legendary 1993 ESPYS speech, and both were deeply moved when Jim declared, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®. Knowing Jim was battling metastatic cancer himself made his words resonate even deeper.
Debra embraced Jim’s spirit as her own. She told John, “Whatever it takes, whatever it takes. I’m going to fight just like Jimmy V did.”
Even as her health fluctuated, Debra refused to surrender that mindset. After one particular surgery, she suffered severe blood loss requiring a transfusion. John remembered her words clearly, “I’m going to be okay. I’m not going to quit. I’ll deal with the chemotherapy and whatever comes after that.”
For John, their friends, and the entire family, Debra’s unwavering positivity was impossible to ignore. She radiated resilience and hope.
Honoring Debra’s Legacy Through Cancer Research and Hope
After Debra’s passing, John searched for a meaningful way to honor her memory – to find a purpose that matched the way she lived and fought. Grateful for the extraordinary care Debra received, John felt compelled to give back. He chose to support researchers and caregivers working tirelessly behind the scenes to save lives, including one of Debra’s oncologists who now works in cancer research, helping to accelerate Victory Over Cancer®.
By sharing Debra’s story, John hopes families facing this disease will find hope and reassurance that cancer research continues to drive progress every day. He is grateful for the advancements that granted him and Debra precious extra time together, moments spent strolling on the beach and enjoying dinner and a show.
For John, the work of the V Foundation fuels his hope for a future filled with more breakthroughs, eventual cures, and improved quality of life, so people facing cancer can continue to create meaningful moments with the people they love.
