Bob Colli

The Future Happening Today

“You have cancer.” Bob Colli of Surprise, Arizona, recalls hearing the three words none of us ever wants to hear.

Thanks to what his physicians said next, the former U.S. Army logistics officer felt reassured that he was in great hands. He was informed that his treatment options included a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery at Banner Boswell Medical Center—advanced technology made possible by the generosity of the community.

After hearing about the benefits of this type of surgery, Bob was all in. The superior care he received contributed to his full recovery.

Years later, robotic medical technology was there for Bob again when he needed a different type of surgery—a double hernia repair. He found that both of the surgeries significantly enhanced his recovery.

“I was able to return home sooner and recover more quickly,” Bob says.

He was glad because he had an active life to resume. Most recently, he enjoys living the good life at The Colonnade, a Sun Health Residential Community in Surprise. He loves being involved in a variety of activities, so life at The Colonnade is the perfect match. His calendar is filled with excursions, golf and hikes. Bob also enjoys Sun Health Wellness programs such as strength training, yoga, tai chi, cardio drumming and line dancing.

While Bob is thankful he doesn’t need surgery these days, he is comforted to know that the generosity of others is continuing to make possible a new type of robot that’s pivotal in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer—and one of only two in Arizona.

The groundbreaking technology is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy machine that allows access to and biopsy of lung nodules in hard-to-reach places to determine if there is cancer. With greater reach and visibility, it’s now possible to detect lung cancer earlier and target more effective treatments.

“These robotic machines almost look like something out of Star Wars,” Bob says. “I think robotic technology is the thing of the future—the future happening today.”

Bob is grateful the latest advancements were available when he needed them most. Yet, without adequate funding for advanced technology, they simply would not have been possible.

To learn how you can use your estate plan to support Sun Health Foundation and advance groundbreaking technology for future patients like Bob, please contact Sun Health Foundation at (623) 471-8500 or foundation@sunhealth.org. We’re happy to help.