Last Christmas, Kevin Flinn received an amazing gift: He was able to sing again.
The Wellington resident performed at his church’s Christmas service — an emotional milestone after months of life-altering illness.
Five months earlier, Flinn was struggling to eat, unable to swallow and suffering from a persistent cough. Medical tests revealed stage T3N1 esophageal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 22,530 new cases of esophageal cancer and 16,290 related deaths are expected in the United States in 2026. Although the disease accounts for roughly 1% of all cancers diagnosed nationwide, it is three times more common in men than in women.
Flinn faced his diagnosis head-on, undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation. When those treatments proved unsuccessful, surgery became necessary to prevent the cancer from spreading. His doctors referred him and his wife, Lisa, to Christopher DuCoin, M.D., MPH, FACS, chief of the TGH Digestive Diseases Institute; director of the Esophageal and GERD Program at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine; and professor and vice chair of the Department of Surgery at USF Health.
When the Flinns reached out, they learned Dr. DuCoin had an unexpected cancellation, creating an opening for surgery just one day before he was scheduled to leave for a conference. “His staff said this rarely happened,” Flinn recalled. “It felt like divine intervention.”
Before arriving in Tampa, Flinn’s medical records and lab results were shared with the Tampa General care team to ensure seamless coordination. “Communication with Dr. DuCoin, his team, the nurses and hospital staff was flawless,” Flinn said. “They took great care of me and made sure my wife always knew what was happening.”
Dr. DuCoin performed an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, which involved removing the cancerous esophagus and reconstructing it using the stomach. Performed robotically and with minimally invasive methods, the approach improved surgical precision and supported Flinn’s recovery, reflecting Tampa General’s commitment to advanced, patient-centered cancer care.
Pathology results revealed additional cancer in a nearby lymph node and a portion of Flinn’s stomach lining, both of which were successfully removed. “We’re grateful they found and addressed those areas,” Flinn said.
Flinn spent 10 days recovering at Tampa General. “The care was exceptional,” he said. “Everyone was kind, attentive and compassionate. Nurses even introduced the next shift, so I always knew who was caring for me.”
After returning home, Flinn began rebuilding his strength. Despite losing 30 pounds, he was back at the gym the very next day. Today, he’s back to enjoying life.
Flinn shared a video of his Christmas performance with Dr. DuCoin, who was moved to tears.
“I owe my life to the good Lord, Dr. DuCoin and Tampa General,” he said.
For more information about Tampa General’s coordinated, complex care for patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties, visit TGH.org or call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
