Make no mistake: Illness has not slowed down Dennis Gibson.

Despite two forms of cancer, he still is counseling at the clinic he runs with his wife, Ruth. And last month they both were honored by Us Too International after 14 years of work with the Downers Grove-based prostate cancer support network.

The key, Dennis Gibson said, is corralling as much medical news and information as possible — “quarterbacking” your cancer, he calls it.

In 1995 Dennis Gibson was diagnosed with prostate cancer. On the advice of two friends, that same month he attended a meeting of the Lombard chapter of Us Too International.

“I thought, ‘I don’t belong here. These are old men,’” said 72-year-old Dennis Gibson, who was then in his late 50s. “After the meeting was conducted — and such valuable information was exchanged and people told their stories — I said this is exactly where I need to be because these are my brothers.”

After the Lombard group’s founder died, Dennis Gibson stepped up to lead. For more than a decade he ran the meetings and his wife managed the logistics. At the monthly sessions, those dealing with prostate cancer share medical information, advice and personal stories.

About two months ago Dennis Gibson left the group. He attends some meetings, but not as regularly, he said. The prostate cancer threat is behind him, but now he is facing another malady — lymphoma.

“This lymphoma is a real grizzly bear to deal with,” Dennis Gibson said. “I (have) really still an eternal debt to Us Too International for teaching me to be a cancer patient.”

LEARN MORE

Notable
In addition to his home clinic, Wheaton Counseling Associates, Dennis Gibson is the author of four books, including “The Sandwich Years,” a book on parenting that he penned with his wife.

Quotable
“We want to make it clear that we’re alive and well and healthy,” said Ruth Gibson. “Our concern is that people might think, ‘They’re done. (They’re) not working.’ We want to make sure that’s quite clear.”

Philosophy
“I have seen over and over again the strongest medicine that exists in the whole world of disease treatment. And that is hope.” — Dennis Gibson

Most recent
MOVIE Both: “Earth”
BOOK Dennis:  “1776” by David McCullough; Ruth: “A Passion for God: The Spiritual Journey of A. W. Tozer” by Lyle Dorsett
TRIP Bethany Beach, Mich.