The battle against cancer is fought on many different fronts. As a result, not all clinical trials are related directly to discovering new medicines or treatments; sometimes, researchers simply want to study how patients react both physically and emotionally during their cancer journey.

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

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

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

Virgil Lugar

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

“If I have this thing [cancer], I want them to have full access to whatever is going on with me so they might be able help someone else, “Lugar says. “Whatever that means, I want to contribute.”

Despite living in Birmingham for more than 60 years, Lugar says he never had stepped inside the Kirklin Clinic until he began his recent cancer treatment. That is 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 says. “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.’ I’m not wasting my energy on worrying because I need that energy to heal.”

That type of positive attitude has impressed those involved with Lugar’s care. Wang says of Lugar, “Throughout every stage of his journey, he has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, positivity and a sincere desire to help others. … His participation [in the studies] has advanced cancer care and inspired all who had the privilege of working with him.”

One of Lugar’s cancer physicians, UAB radiation oncologist Sharon Spencer, M.D., agrees. “He has a very good emotional attitude about everything.” Spencer says. “You have to be a real solider to bear some of the deficits that he has 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 issues he has faced.

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