Cancer Covered

War, Cancer and a Century of Life: Vaughn Collicott’s Story (Part 1)

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In this truly special episode, we’re honored to feature Vaughn Collicott, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and cancer survivor. Vaughn’s life story spans some of history’s most pivotal moments, from spending his first year of life in a covered wagon to navigating the London Blitz and the D-Day invasion. He shares his incredible journey of resilience, service, and courage with host Steve Slocum, Dr. Tony Jaslowski and his granddaughter Gidget Peerenboom. 

“I’ve been a lucky person all my life. Fortunate? Yeah. Playing bingo even, I’ve been lucky. I won big money three times.” – Vaughn Collicott 

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: 

  • Vaughn’s early life, including growing up in Walworth County, Wisconsin, surviving a near-fatal tonsillectomy at age seven, and learning to drive and play golf with a remarkable older neighbor. 
    • His decision to join the Navy in 1942 and his first experiences at sea, including surviving rough Atlantic voyages without ever getting seasick. 
      • His harrowing accounts of wartime travel, from sailing the Thames River into London and experiencing the Blitz, to enduring constant threats from German U-boats in massive convoys. 
        • His critical role on the USS Meredith during the Normandy invasion, including his precise actions as a Fire Controlman and his vivid recollection of the ship being struck by a 2,000-pound bomb. 
          • The raw and emotional details of surviving the USS Meredith’s sinking and the immediate aftermath, including witnessing horrific injuries and his eventual journey back to the U.S. 
            • How he seamlessly transitioned from war zones to civilian life, painting hotels and working at General Motors, demonstrating his lifelong adaptability and “jack of all trades” mentality. 
              • His final wartime service on the USS Lanier, transporting the first division of Marines to Japan as the initial occupation forces after the war’s end. 

                • Join us for the first half of Vaughn’s unforgettable story, a testament to an extraordinary life lived through resilience, duty and sheer fortune. Be sure to tune in for Part 2, where Vaughn shares his experiences battling multiple cancer diagnoses with the same steadfast spirit. 

                We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

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