Attorney Vincent Buckley believes being “a physical education nut” helped him survive three separate battles with prostate cancer. Today, he’s running hard to enjoy the golden years — and he has some impressive medals to show for those efforts.

Buckley, now 77, has long practiced optimal health habits that include eating a low-fat diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol products, getting ample rest and balancing several athletic activities. He also went for regular medical checkups.

“I’ve been blessed with good genes, a zest for life and the opportunity to receive the very best treatments since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1988. My wife Beverly has been my anchor throughout three prostate cancer experiences,” he says.

Another asset has been a competitive spirit for which he became known playing football and baseball and running track at Rice University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1947. That year, he won the Bob Quin Award, given to the senior Rice athlete considered most outstanding in scholarship, sportsmanship, leadership and athletics.

Buckley received a law degree from The University of Texas Law School and specialized in corporate oil and gas matters for many years. Over the past decade, he has been of counsel for a large Houston firm. Son Bruce Buckley and daughter Brenda Harris have followed in his legal footsteps.

For 25 years, Buckley officiated at approximately 500 Southwest Conference football games, including seven bowl games. He maintained the weightlifting form that in the early ‘40s had won him two individual regional championships, and he played golf and tennis with intensity. But running has been the hobby he relishes most.

In April 1998 — only a year after completing chemotherapy and having surgery at M. D. Anderson — Buckley won the 50-, 100- and 200-meter dashes in the 75-79 age group at the Senior Olympics held in Houston. He continues training by lifting weights three times a week and running most days.

Buckley also has added another avocation to his schedule. As a member of M. D. Anderson’s Prostate Cancer Research Program Advisory Board, he promotes awareness of the disease and encourages contributions to support expanding research.

“This race to defeat prostate cancer for all men around the world is one we must win as soon as possible,” he states.

— Mary Jane Schier