The Last Days of Patrick Swayze: Lisa Niemi Opens up About Her Husband’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
It was a love story that began in 1970 when 14-year-old Lisa Niemi first met Patrick Swayze, the son of the owner of the dance company where she danced. Five years later, they were married, and for almost 40 years they shared a life full of love and shared dreams. However, their fairytale came to an end in September 2009, when Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Now, nearly 15 years after his passing, Lisa Niemi Swayze, now 67 years old, has sat down for a candid interview to recount the last days with her beloved husband. In a recent podcast interview with television reporters Amy Robach and TJ Holmes, Niemi shared the heartbreaking moment when Swayze was informed of his diagnosis and how he bravely faced his fate.
From the moment Swayze learned of his illness, he knew the gravity of the situation. Niemi recalls him saying, “I’m a dead man,” as soon as he found out about his pancreatic cancer. Despite the devastating prognosis, the couple remained optimistic, determined to fight for every moment they had together.
Niemi remembers the difficult decision of when and how to tell Swayze about his diagnosis, and the emotional journey of trying to support him as he battled the disease. She shared a particularly poignant moment when Swayze expressed his desire to live while they were enjoying a walk around their ranch in New Mexico.
As the 15th anniversary of Swayze’s passing approaches, Niemi continues to advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness, urging others to be proactive about their health. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and the need for more resources to combat this deadly disease.
Despite the pain of reliving those final moments with her husband, Niemi remains dedicated to preserving his legacy and raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. As she bravely shares their story, she hopes to inspire others to cherish their loved ones and never give up hope in the face of adversity.
It is a testament to their enduring love and unwavering strength in the face of tragedy, as Lisa Niemi Swayze honors the memory of her beloved husband, Patrick Swayze.