James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital - Tampa, Florida

Navy Veteran Fred Colby talks with hospital staff members Registered Nurse Eyanna Stocking, Assistant Nurse Manager Sonji Blanks and Clinical Nurse Educator Jerell Showers in his room at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital Community Living Center.

Navy Veteran Fred Colby doesn’t know what the outcome of his cancer treatment will be, but one thing he’s certain about is that the level of care and commitment he’s receiving at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is top-notch.

The retired senior chief petty officer is currently an inpatient in the hospital’s Community Living Center while he undergoes treatment and physical therapy for cancer that has moved into his spine. He was first diagnosed about 17 years ago but the disease has spread in the last two years.

The 81-year-old Veteran has been receiving all of his health care services through JAHVH since retiring in 1979 and recently said he wanted to make sure people know what kind of care he’s been receiving throughout the years. He was prompted, he said, by some of the negative things he hears in the media about the VA.

“There is a notion in the general public and with some Vets who think the VA doesn’t care about them, and it’s so far from the truth,” Colby said. “Haley does a magnificent job taking care of Veterans. Now as far as getting treatment, all the staff and aides go an extra mile to make sure all my needs are taken care of and go 110 percent to make sure I am comfortable and make sure I am doing well.”

Colby said he’s always been impressed with the hospital staff.

“I have not encountered any employee who hasn't been courteous, thoughtful and caring.” he said. “There are some wonderful people here at this VA. You can quote me on that.”

Colby was admitted as an inpatient when the cancer in his spine left him unable to walk. He said his doctor felt it would be better to have him in the hospital where he could get around-the-clock treatment and care, and Jean, his wife of 61 years, could visit him every day.

When asked about the quality of treatment he’s receiving, Colby responded immediately.

“I think it’s excellent,” he said. “I don’t think a person could ask for anything better.”

Colby said he is a realist when it comes to his treatment therapy but believes that if he works at it, he could regain some ability to stand and walk. He’s also a realist when it comes to the VA as a whole.

“Yes, some mistakes have been made – it’s not a perfect world,” he explained. “But by making mistakes, hopefully we learn something and capitalize on it.”

For now, Colby is concentrating on his treatment and physical therapy regimen and keeping his thoughts about the future positive.

“It all hinges on me, on my ability to stand and walk,” he said. “Yesterday I was very fortunate. I was able to stand for 12 seconds. It was hard, but I’ll tell you what, I’ve got gumption and it’s going to work. You have to believe.  There is hope!”