SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — For 32 years, Keith Powell served as a firefighter in his community in North Carolina. Like many men in his field, Powell said he never paid much attention to his health, including going over 20 years without ever seeing a doctor. That all changed in 2018, when a spot started forming on his left shoulder. 

"It seemed in a two-week period to just double in size," said Powell. "My son said' 'Dad, you need to go to the dermatologist.' After I walked in and showed them the spot, the nurse turned white and said, 'I need to go get the doctor." 

Powell was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. But it spread into his lymph nodes, thyroid, and both lungs. He started treatment in North Carolina, but moved to Springfield partway through. He continued his treatment at the St. John's Cancer Center.  

"Melanoma is one of the cancers which is very prevalent in USA and the cases of melanoma are rising, and it is estimated to go up in 2025," said Dr. Waqas Azhar, who works in hematology and oncology at St. John's. "Cases of melanoma are rising to the point that it's one of the top ten cancers in the United States in 2025. One out of 50 Americans, they have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma." 

Powell connected quickly with a group of oncology nurses while receiving treatment. This included Lisa Strode, who spoke highly of Powell's constant positivity. 

"He always came in with a smile on his face and he's a fighter, he's a warrior," said Strode. 

Powell and Strode got so close, he brought his engagement ring into treatment to show her before proposing to his partner. She was invited to the wedding, along with a few other nurses. 

"It was so rewarding that because of treatment, he was able to get married, and he's able to be with us still," said Strode. "So that's probably one of my most favorite moments is getting to see that engagement ring and be a part of his wedding." 

Powell was in remission for two years, but recently found out his melanoma has returned. But, Powell said he will continue to be positive and is confident that treatment will help remove it once again. 

"Any time you see a new spot on the skin, which is changing in size, color or shape or characteristics, you should see your primary care doctor," said Dr. Azhar. "Get an evaluation of that skin lesion, especially if it is present in a sun-exposed area of the skin, so that an appropriate biopsy or evaluation by the primary care provider or dermatologist should be done." 

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.