Leukemia caregiver ensures her husband’s legacy lives on

Pat Sibille’s husband, Jerry, was known far and wide for his generosity. 

His spirit of giving was extraordinary; it transcended circumstance, extending even into his own cancer diagnosis. 

“For Jerry, giving wasn’t something he did,” says Pat. “It was the foundation of who he was, and it showed most undeniably during his battle with leukemia.” 

Jerry Sibille was a proud Louisianan, described as a friend to all. 

His charismatic energy lit up every room he walked into, and whether you were just crossing his path momentarily or were a friend of 40 years, Jerry wanted to know you, your story and your heart. 

“He was the type of person that never had to make an appointment for anything; he could just show up,” says Pat. “He was known by everyone in Lafayette. It’s a true treasure to have relationships like that.” 

Symptoms lead to leukemia diagnosis 

In early 2014, Jerry began complaining of noticeable weight loss and fatigue that didn’t go away, so Pat recommended he see a doctor. After his symptoms were initially dismissed as a sinus issue, Pat urged him to seek a second opinion. 

The Sibilles never imagined what they’d face after routine lab work and further testing at Jerry’s next appointment: acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer.

Doctors in Louisiana shared that Jerry’s condition was life threatening, and he needed to seek immediate treatment at a center with expertise in treating this cancer. After spending 40 years in the medical field, Pat knew there was only one option — UT MD Anderson. 

“I immediately said UT MD Anderson,” she explains. “There was no question.” 

Within 24 hours, the Sibilles packed up and began the first of many three-hour drives to Houston. 

The road to hope and healing  

When they arrived at UT MD Anderson, Pat and Jerry were welcomed into waiting rooms full of smiling faces. 

“It was clear from the very beginning that he was going to be taken care of, and it was the biggest blessing,” says Pat. “Everything was so easy. From building relationships with his medical team, to scheduling immediate labs onsite or even being able to stay at the Rotary House for more immediate access to the facilities. Convenience and comfort seemed to be at the front of everyone’s mind.” 

Jerry began chemotherapy under the care of leukemia specialist Naval Daver, M.D., and his lead research nurse, Mary Ann Richie, who recently retired from UT MD Anderson. He never complained of being in pain. Instead, he chose to focus on the positives of treatment: more time with people. 

Finding a greater purpose

Knowing he’d get to meet new people or see familiar faces each time he visited UT MD Anderson became one of the driving forces that got Jerry through treatment. Despite numerous bone marrow aspirations, episodes of infections and reoccurring emergency room visits, he focused on all the new people he’d get to meet or familiar faces he’d get to see. 

He was also greatly motivated by the unwavering support of his family, led by his devoted wife, Pat. 

“Being at UT MD Anderson was such a blessing for so many reasons,” she says. “We not only had the best care on site, but we were lucky to have family in Houston ready to rally around us at all times. Jerry loved his family, and we were all given back something we thought we had lost — more time with him.” 

Because he was on a clinical trial, Jerry was often asked to consent to donating plasma, platelets, blood or bone marrow as part of the trial. This meant that instead of two vials for whatever sample was being collected, he happily gave up to an additional four to further the science and treatment of AML. 

“His willingness was boundless,” says Pat. “He had a quiet courage that transformed even his own struggle into a gift for others.” 

For Jerry, not donating was out of the question, even when he felt weak ahead of his routine labs.

“He’d say, ‘Whatever is extra, take it,’” she says. “That was his way of giving back. He couldn’t understand why someone would ever say no to giving a little bit more to help further research and ultimately help others beat leukemia. He’d say, ‘What if this one saves someone’s life?’” 

An unbreakable legacy of generosity  

In the winter of 2018, Jerry Sibille died peacefully at his home in Lafayette surrounded by his family — just as he wanted. 

“UT MD Anderson gave him three more years of life to be around his family,” says Pat. “I just knew this would be a wonderful place. UT MD Anderson is a hospital of hope, and I will continue to recommend this place to those that find themselves in a situation like ours.” 

Inspired by her husband’s selflessness, Pat continues to donate to UT MD Anderson in his memory. 

Gifts like Pat’s help make expanding UT MD Anderson’s reach possible through an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the future of cancer care. As UT MD Anderson expands its capacity to serve patients through advanced, state-of-the-art facilities, philanthropic support like hers ensures that innovation, comfort and compassionate care remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Through her continued gifts, Pat hopes to carry on the tradition of Jerry’s generosity by helping those who also find themselves facing cancer. Her financial contribution ensures research continues and solidifies Jerry’s legacy as what his family describes as “the most generous man” they’ll ever know. 

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