For the past decade, John Spellman has served Roslyn as its village attorney. And there he was at the last village board meeting, performing his usual duties. But there has been much more to his life than daily routines and responsibilities. Spellman has also displayed amazing courage while undergoing the most excruciating health problems.

During the past two years, Spellman, a resident of Garden City, has faced not one but two health crises. In the winter of 2005, the 61-year-old attorney underwent 33 external radiation beam therapy sessions at Winthrop-University Hospital's Radiation Oncology Center to treat his neck and chest after thyroid cancer spread to his lymph nodes.

"Then, when I was getting scans to make sure everything was good, they found a brain tumor," he said.

His motto: Bring it on.

In the fall of the same year, Spellman became one of Winthrop's first patients to be treated for his brain tumor using CyberKnife, the most advanced radiosurgery technology available for patients, including many who have exhausted all treatment options. Winthrop is the first hospital in the metropolitan region to acquire CyberKnife, and continues to be the only hospital in the region offering this therapy.

Coupling two advanced technologies-cruise-missile guidance technology and flexible robotics-CyberKnife delivers targeted, high-dose radiation beams to tumors and lesions, many in sites previously unreachable by other radiation systems.

"When CyberKnife treatment was first suggested, I researched it and thought it was great. I was fortunate enough to get into the program," he explained. "The treatment was painless. There was no discomfort, and no impact on skin, and they didn't have to screw the metal frame into my head."

"Today, I am doing really well," he continued. "My scans are good, and six months following my CyberKnife treatment, it appears the tumor is breaking down."

"Sitting in the CyberKnife Center's waiting room, I'd watch patients come in: Some had fire in their eyes and others seemed a little concerned and depressed," he recalled.

That eye-opening experience incited a desire to create a symbol of hope that is certain to touch the lives of many and unite all affected by cancer.

Requesting to keep his radiation treatment mask, Spellman crafted a "Mask of Courage," which he fastened on a bulletin board to be adorned with pins symbolizing strength and spirit. He presented his creation to Elaine Montchal, RN, CyberKnife Coordinator, at Winthrop's recent Cancer Survivors' Day celebration.

"The idea behind the mask is that we all inspire each other while we face what is coming," he said. "Anyone entering the Center is encouraged to place a special pin to either remember someone or to simply become part of this brother and sisterhood."

Several mementos already surround the "Mask of Courage," which resides in the Center's lobby-one of which is a Claddagh pin Ms. Montchal gave to Spellman after his therapy ended.

On this past St. Patrick's Day, he wore the gift proudly when he sung Irish songs at a local venue. The anticipated performance was a joyful celebration of life.

"While he was going through therapy we discussed the music and event to keep his mind off of the treatment," she explained. "I never expected him to rededicate the pin. I was honored, and the staff was very excited to accept his gift. We were truly touched by it.

"Each pin has a story behind it," she continued. "You don't know how powerful and touching this will be to all who place a pin. And, I have no doubt that we are going to fill the board with many more mementos."

When that inevitably occurs, Spellman plans to create additional boards with patients' donated CyberKnife masks.

In addition to serving Roslyn, Spellman is the village attorney for the Village of New Hyde Park and for the Village of Mineola.

Those interested in donating pins, please contact Ms. Montchal at emontchal@winthrop.org.

For more information about Winthrop's CyberKnife, call 1-866-WINTHROP.