Because cancer can affect multiple aspects of life, not all clinical trials are directly related to discovering new medicines or treatments. It’s also important for researchers to study how patients react physically and emotionally during their cancer journey. And many people who participate in clinical trials see it as a meaningful way to help others.

In 2023, Virgil Lugar had surgery at UAB St. Vincent’s for oral cavity cancer. When the cancer returned in 2025, he underwent six weeks of radiation therapy through the UAB O’Neal Cancer Center, and he continues to return regularly for testing and treatment involving the ongoing effects of his cancer.

Along the way, Lugar agreed to participate in two observational studies run by the lab of UAB School of Nursing Professor Hsiao-Lan Wang, Ph.D. One examines vision over the course of head and neck cancer treatment, and the other explores ways for patients to self-manage tiredness and pain.

‘You can’t let cancer steal your joy. I’m not wasting my energy on worrying, because I need that energy to heal.’

Virgil Lugar

An appreciation for life

In addition to those studies, Lugar joined the Sullivan Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Program, led by Reid Hale, CRNP, with the UAB Department of Otolaryngology. Lugar and other people with cancer meet weekly with staff members to discuss ways to reduce post-treatment symptoms.

“I want them to have full access to whatever is going on with me, so they might be able to help someone else,” Lugar said. “Whatever that means, I want to contribute.”

Despite living in Birmingham for over 60 years, Lugar says he had never stepped inside The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital until he began his recent cancer treatment. That’s when his attitude about his situation changed.

“It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you walk into Kirklin and see all the other people there who are worse off than you,” Lugar said. “I couldn’t help but have an appreciation for life. I woke up today. I’m still walking and talking and laughing.”

“My motto through this whole thing is, ‘You can’t let it steal your joy,’” he added. “I’m not wasting my energy on worrying, because I need that energy to heal.”

Lugar’s positive attitude has impressed those involved with his care, including Wang.

‘Extraordinary perseverance’

“Throughout every stage of his journey, he has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, positivity, and a sincere desire to help others,” Wang said. “His participation has advanced cancer care and inspired all who had the privilege of working with him.”

One of Lugar’s UAB physicians, radiation oncologist Sharon Spencer, M.D., agrees.

“He has a very good emotional attitude about everything,” Dr. Spencer said. “You have to be a real soldier to bear some of the deficits he’s had and keep your attitude very positive – which he does. So he’s a hero in my book.”

Lugar, however, credits the studies and group sessions with helping him better endure the cancer-related issues he’s faced.

“I looked forward to the studies because they kept me moving,” Lugar said. “It was social interaction. It was like going to a therapy session every week. Everyone was fantastic. It made me appreciate that I had more support than I realized.”