By Lisa Castello
For 37 years of marriage, my husband Allen Castello was my best friend, my partner and the love of my life.
We grew up as kids, raised four children and were blessed with five wonderful grandchildren. We built a beautiful life together.
Allen was never sick a day in his life, until the words “lung cancer” changed everything when he was just 52.
Allen was not the typical patient with cancer. He never looked like he had terminal cancer, and he was never sick after his treatments. He kept his strength, energy and even continued working right up until the last year of his life.
Even on the hardest days, he found ways to make us laugh. He taught our family that life isn’t about how many days you have, it’s about how much love you fill them with.
What was only supposed to be two years became six years of Allen facing lung cancer with quiet strength, humor and grace, until he later passed last spring.
‘Rush never gave up on us’
Rush became our second home, and the doctors, nurses and staff became part of our family. From the very beginning, we were met with compassion, dedication and genuine care.
And through all the emotional stages that Allen and our family went through — the fear, the hope, the exhaustion and the uncertainty — Rush never gave up on us.
They stood beside us with patience and understanding. They guided us through every setback, celebrated every small victory and always reminded us that we weren’t in this alone.
And they weren’t just there for Allen. The staff at Rush cared for our whole family. They listened when we cried, comforted us when we struggled and helped us find the strength we didn't know we had.
Al always said to his doctors, “You just have to get me through to my daughter’s wedding.” They did. Then Al said, “You just have to get me through to my first grandchild’s birth.” And they did.
Later, it became two more weddings and two more grandchildren’s births. We were given holidays we never thought we would have, birthdays, vacations, quiet mornings and the simple joy of being together.
Rush’s support gave us more than medical care. It gave us moments we’ll cherish forever.
To caregivers
As Allen’s caregiver, I learned that lung cancer affects every person it touches. But I also learned that love, compassion and extraordinary care can carry you through even the darkest of times.
To those at Rush facing the ups and downs of treatment, and to their families who are still fighting beside them, please know this: You are in the right place.
You are surrounded by people who understand, who care and who will walk with you every step of the way. Rush is more than a medical center: It’s a community of hearts that will not give up on you. It’s the family that you never thought you could wrap your arms around.
Shining a light on lung cancer
In November, I shared Allen’s story at Rush’s Shine a Light event for patients with lung cancer and their families.
I did it not to make anyone feel sad, but to encourage them — and remind every person and family that even in the face of lung cancer, there is hope, there is strength and there can still be life filled with meaning and love.
We came together to shine a light for awareness, healing and for a future where no family has to face this disease like we did.
I shined a light in gratitude for Rush, whose unwavering commitment and kindness made the hardest journey bearable. I did it for every family, survivor, caregiver and loved one.
And I shined my light for Allen — for his courage, his laughter and his love.
My light is for you, Allen. Forever loved. Forever remembered.
To learn more about lung cancer screening or care, visit our us online or call (312) CANCER-1.
