Terry Ritter, 48, husband, and father of two children 7 and 8 years of age, is an avid outdoorsman enjoying bicycling, fishing, camping, volunteer work and international travel with his family was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma of an unknown origin in early 2011. Since his diagnosis, he has gone through invasive surgery with successful removal, by Dr. Sharon Weber, of two large tumors, which were encapsulated in his lymph nodes. It is believed that the cancer also spread throughout his entire body on a microscopic level. Fortunately for Terry, he was in excellent health and able to participate in a Melanoma test treatment program receiving Immunotherapy by the renowned Dr. Mark Albertini of the University of Wisconsin Hospital's Carbone Cancer Clinic. During his treatment and recovery, Terry remained active with administrative tasks for the Madison Fire Department where he is employed as Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic. In fact, to date Terry has returned for duty to the Fire Department, been active in many aspects of emergency service again and feels great. He has worked hard through physical therapy and has since returned to cycling through the mountains of Colorado with his wife, as was once his summertime hobby. Realizing this is a life challenge he faces now, Terry remarks that if it wasn't with the expert care, compassion and dedication to their profession of Dr. Mark Albertini, Dr. Sharon Weber, Mary Beth Henry, Dr. George Rizner and Dr. Craig Kent all of the University of Wisconsin Hospital he may not be in such a position to have a positive influence on his family or the diverse community service he enjoys being a part of. While he accepted his diagnosis, the hardest thing for Terry was to imagine his children without a father, as he has always valued time with his family the most. He speaks often of the selfless service of a few special nurses, doctors, fire department employees and friends who all helped his children out by helping him out in any number of ways. His gratitude for their kindness and support is readily visible in his eyes, as they may appear tearful when he smiles and relays the many moments of surprised aid and support. Terry's fight to be with his family is not over. While he remains positive in spirit and energy, only time will tell if the test treatment aimed at killing the cancer on a microscopic level has worked. He receives scans, blood tests and exams every three months and continues to exercise and monitor his diet. He asks you to come and celebrate the dedication and medical research in pursuit of a cure for Melanoma by supporting Dr. Mark Albertini and others at a wine tasting fundraiser October 14, 2011 at the Brink Lounge.
