When William Allen asked his doctor for a prescription that would help him quit smoking in early 2002, he got more than he bargained for. During the examination, his doctor discovered that William, an active husband and father of two grown sons, had lung cancer. And so began a treatment program that would not only include quitting cigarettes, but surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as well.

For the Murfreesboro resident, who was working in shipping for Yellow Freight at the time, the fact that he was able to receive the advanced treatment he needed so close to his home at Middle Tennessee Medical Center was an enormous benefit. "Having my treatment right here in Murfreesboro made everything a lot more convenient," says William. "My neighbor was able to take me to treatment and then come back to pick me up when it was finished."

Throughout his treatment program, William began constructing a lily pond in his backyard. "You know with chemotherapy you have good days and bad days," says William. "The pond was a way to stay active on the good days and gave me something to look forward to."

Today, William says the lily pond, which is home to several large Koi fish, is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. That is, of course, when he's not venturing out with his wife and fellow Harley enthusiasts on road trips across Tennessee or Florida.

Like many cancer patients, William has developed a strong and lasting relationship with his oncology team, Drs. Barton and Lee. Though he swears it's not done in an effort to get a preferred appointment time, he is known for showing up for his annual check ups with his signature Jack Daniel's Chocolate Pecan Pie in hand.

"My doctors and their staff were so good to me," said William. "My annual check ups always fall in December, and making them a pie has become a tradition of sorts." For William, who no longer smokes and is quick to tell others about the importance of not starting, life continues to be an adventure. And he is determined to be an active participant – not a spectator.