Bob Grinnell

He survived leading edge laser surgery for throat cancer, surgical removal of lymph nodes and a tracheotomy. He braved unexpected bleeding that resulted in a quick trip to the emergency room and courageously submitted to long-term radiation therapy.

It would be an understatement to say that it has been a challenging journey for the affable, white-bearded man who calls himself "Santa" and who in February 2007 pointed out an unfamiliar lump in his neck to Mayo Clinic surgeon Michael Hinni, M.D., specialist in otolaryngology. Dr. Hinni immediately warned his patient that there was a 75 percent chance the tumor was cancerous. He was spot-on. Ironically, the suspicious tumor was hidden underneath "Santa's" trademark beard.

Yet the major concern expressed by 62-year-old Bob Grinnell, Scottsdale, Ariz., was for the kids who might not be able to enjoy Christmas 2007 — "kids whose parents can't afford toys and gifts," Bob notes.

Michael L. Hinni, M.D.

Kids in underserved areas of Phoenix are always top of mind for Bob, who proudly carries the moniker, "Santa Claus." He has the credentials to prove his Santa status, since he is certified as such and is authorized to visit neighborhoods, schools, hospices and kids who may rarely experience a Christmas with toys.

It has long been Bob's mission to improve kids' lives and spread the spirit during the holidays. The prospect of that being curtailed because of his health issues was not something he would take lightly.

Hearing Dr. Hinni's cancer diagnosis, Bob remained characteristically stoic. "You take the news, you think about it and you make a plan," he announced. That plan involved precision laser surgery used by Dr. Hinni to eradicate Bob's cancer at the primary site.

No fewer than 10 people were in the operating room on March 26, 2007, the day that "Santa" was prepped for his innovative OmniGuide laser surgery. The surgeon is able to send a CO2 wavelength through a fiber, not the air, explains Dr. Hinni, who lauds the instrument as "a marvelous cutting tool." The fiber is hollow and coated with reflective mirrors that are kept clear by helium that is blown in. The laser vaporizes the cancerous tissue and protects surrounding, healthy tissue. Importantly, the new technology was able to spare Bob the major surgery otherwise required, where his jaw would have to be cut apart with a saw. "That method still works," notes Dr. Hinni. "But if we don't have to, this way, with the laser, is better."

"This fiber, I hope, is just one of many advances we will see in my lifetime," says Dr. Hinni. "This method gives me 3-D vision to see every angle of Bob's tumor. We are able to cut with observable, measurable, margins. And believe me, patients just want the tumor separated from their body, as soon as possible."

Half of the time, explains Dr. Hinni, he finds that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, which was the case for Bob. Painstakingly, the nodes were removed, and Bob was prescribed radiation treatment as well.

Bob Grinnell is no stranger to courage. He lost a son in a car accident 13 years ago, and another accident took Bob's right leg. Facing delicate cancer surgery, however, gave him pause. "I didn't want them to shave my beard," Bob confesses. He knows the value of "looking like a real Santa" for sick and needy kids. Bob is not a fake beard sort of guy.

Bob's spirit is as authentic as his full, white beard which, remarkably, was spared during his surgery. (Well, okay. Bob admits to trimming it up a bit before surgery, to give in that much as least, to his surgeons.)

And about Christmas 2007 — Bob was again there for the kids, in spirit and in person. The white beard may be thinner and a couple pillows replaced the real Santa tummy he once sported, thanks to a significant weight loss that has brought down his blood pressure and cholesterol. "I did all my Santa stuff again, even if my belt fell down a couple times," Bob quips. "And a few of the kids thought the pillow was the real deal, so that's okay."

Bob is also back at work as a financial planner. "I'd been told I'd be tired, but I don't see much evidence of that," he insists. "I keep going, and my wife, Mary Sue, and I are so grateful."