Choosing to live: Ronald Prchal’s unshakable spirit through stage 4 cancer

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

Despite a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, 74-year-old Ronald Prchal continues to inspire others with his unwavering positivity, deep faith and strong bonds with the IU Health West Infusion team as he fights to live life to the fullest.

Ronald Prchal, 74, is a devoted husband, father and grandfather. When he walks into a room, he immediately starts cracking jokes and sharing stories. With his easy smile and positive attitude, it may be surprising to learn about his health journey over the last two years.

In March of 2023, Prchal says he began developing a yellow hue to his skin. After an MRI and a CT scan, the team at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center did a scope. They discovered cancer on Prchal’s pancreas.

He met with Dr. Meagan Miller, who specializes in hematology-oncology, at IU Health West. Shortly after, he began six rounds of chemotherapy every other week at the hospital’s Infusion Center.

Building bonds

There, he quickly developed a rapport with the team.

“He is a very special person,” says Emilee Goon, an infusion nurse who worked with Prchal. “From the first time I met him, there was a palpable energy and a special spark to him that almost made it an instant connection.”

“You start picking on one [of the team members] and it just happens,” Prchal adds.

After that round of chemotherapy, Prchal underwent surgery to remove the tumor on his pancreas. He was informed the cancer was stage four.

After a 30-day break, he was back in the Infusion Center for six more rounds of chemo. Upon completion, the cancer appeared to be gone. But a few months later, spots returned in his abdomen.

At that point, he returned to IU Health West for more infusions. In total, Prchal underwent 31 chemotherapy treatments.

Over that period, his bond with the Infusion team grew.

“Every one of those girls has different personalities and they’re all saints,” he says. “They’re so positive with their attitudes.”

“The deep bonds we develop with our patients is what makes working in this department so rewarding and very special,” Goon adds. “Each member of our team values the meaningful connections we have with our patients and knows it is special.”

Unshakable strength

Now, Prchal is undergoing radiation treatments at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.

Throughout his treatment journey, he has refused to let cancer define him. He stays active with his family, bikes, fishes and travels as much as his treatment schedule will allow.

“I’m not going to die,” he says. “I’m not going to let that happen, so I’m going to live my life.”

He attributes his positive outlook on what he calls the “trifecta.”

“You have to have faith in God. You have to have the best medical staff, which I do. And you have to believe in yourself,” he explains.

His outlook has been an inspiration to the Infusion team.

“His attitude and fight have not slowed or diminished over his cancer journey,” says Cheyanne Pritchard, supervisor for the IU Health West Infusion Center. “No matter what comes next, we know that at least here in this space and in this moment, we all have hope. And hope, faith and gratitude are emotions that run so deep.”

Now, Prchal hopes to help other patients through sharing his journey.

“You have to clear your mind to negative thoughts. You can't sit there and say, ‘Yes, but the test came back or yes, but the doctor said this.’ You know, there are miracles,” he says. “You have two choices in life: live or die. I want to live.”

To learn more about cancer care at IU Health, visit iuhealth.org/cancer.