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Willard rests from cancer surgery P-T community responds to well-liked superintendent Teachers and staff at the Phoenix-Talent School District were saddened to learn this week that Superintendent Dave Willard is battling cancer. Willard said a small intestinal tumor was discovered just before Christmas. After surgery at Rogue Valley Medical Center, he is recovering at home with his wife, Jana. "They hope they got it all, but we don't know yet," said Willard, 49. "There's a lot I don't know yet." His physician will continue to perform tests over the next few months. In the meantime, Willard will travel to San Francisco to see a specialist. "We're wanting to be optimistic," he said. While there is a history of colon cancer in Willard's family, he said the news of his condition came as a surprise to him. He sought help after suffering stomach pains over the past few months. "We were shocked to come back from the holidays to get this news," said Jerry Sessions, district director of curriculum. "He is well-liked. People are wishing him well." The outpouring of flowers to his home is testament to Willard's popularity. He is known for his personable nature and prides himself on being accessible to parents and staff. Willard will remain on medical leave for the next three to four weeks, checking into the office occasionally. Sessions said Willard would talk to school board members next week about his status with the district. "I have a great staff," said Willard. "No one will even know I'm gone." Willard has been with the district for 10 years, coming from the Mill City-Gates School District east of Salem. He and his wife have three sons, the youngest of which is a senior at Phoenix High School. The two older brothers are in college. "I appreciate people's thoughts and prayers," said Willard. "I'm a man of faith and am optimistic that things will go well." Cards and letters for Willard can be sent to the district office at P.O. Box 698, Phoenix, OR 97535. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA