Together Through Every Step: Debbie & Bob Mulford

Albany, GA | September 10, 2026 – When Bob Mulford was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023, his wife, Debbie, was by his side through every appointment, treatment, and milestone. Three years later, their roles were reversed when Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Together, the longtime owners of The Shoe Box in Albany have experienced cancer from both sides—as patient and caregiver. Through it all, they leaned on each other and on the team at Phoebe, finding comfort in compassionate care close to home.

Bob’s cancer was discovered during a routine LungWatch screening at Phoebe. After several years of clear scans, a CT scan revealed a tumor in his left lung. Because of its location near his aorta, he underwent surgery at Emory before returning home to complete chemotherapy and immunotherapy through Phoebe.

Debbie’s diagnosis came during her annual mammogram earlier this year. Her breast cancer was caught early, allowing her to be treated with a lumpectomy followed by five radiation treatments, all at Phoebe.

In both cases, early detection made all the difference.

“Everybody was just amazing,” Debbie said. “They kept you calm. They smiled. They held your hand all the way through it.”

Bob feels the same way.

“We could not have been taken any better care of than we were at Phoebe,” he said. “We’re fans of the Phoebe Cancer Center.”

The couple speaks with deep appreciation for the physicians, nurses, and staff who cared for them. Just as important, they appreciated having a team that guided them through every step of treatment.

“They tell you what they’re doing, what comes next, and who you’ll see next,” Debbie said. “I never had to go searching for people.”

For Bob, simply knowing there was always someone to call with questions or concerns brought tremendous peace of mind throughout his treatment.

When Debbie received her diagnosis, she already knew many of the faces she would encounter because she had accompanied Bob throughout his cancer journey.

“I had gone with Bob through all of his appointments,” she said. “I already knew everyone, and I knew I was in good hands.”

Today, both have returned to running their family business and are grateful for the care they received. Looking back, they encourage others not to delay routine screenings.

“We both caught it early,” Debbie said. “I highly recommend mammograms, and Bob recommends the lung screenings. Early detection really matters.”

They also hope others know that outstanding cancer care is available close to home.

“God forbid you ever get cancer,” Bob said. “But if you do, Albany is a good place to be because of Phoebe.”

This year, as they light the main Phoebe Lights of Love tree, Bob and Debbie are celebrating good health, the importance of early detection, and the exceptional care they received close to home.

Please join us for Lights of Love Tree Lightening Ceremony at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.