December 16, 2024
Many know Norm Ruebling for his infectious passion for music, often seen behind the drums at local spots like Murrays & Shiloh belting out classic tunes like Ain’t No Sunshine and Tennessee Whiskey.
Photo: Norm Ruebling behind the drums
A well-known member of the Columbia community, Norm is also a co-owner of MO-X, an airport transportation company. He’s called Columbia home since 1971, where his journey began at Mizzou, first as an undergrad, then as a graduate student. His music career took off with years spent teaching and leading Marching Mizzou before he and his partner, Doc, started their own business, MO-X, after Tiger Air Express was sold. In October 2024, Norm and Doc celebrated the 25th anniversary of their business.
Photo: Norm Ruebling and his business partner Doc
Despite his long and successful career, Norm’s greatest strength has always been his positive outlook on life. That mindset was tested in 2020 when a routine check-up at Urology Associates of Central Missouri brought unexpected news: Norm’s PSA levels were rising. But Norm wasn’t shaken. “I’ve always been a positive person,” he said, “I just thought, I’m going to take this as it comes.”
Norm entrusted Dr. Steven Dresner, a urologist with Urology Associates of Central Missouri in Columbia — a division of Missouri Cancer Associates. He followed Dr. Dresner’s advice to keep an eye on his PSA levels. In January of 2020, his PSA levels reached a point where action was necessary. “Dr. Dresner sat down with my wife and me and clearly explained three options,” Norm recalls. “Option A was radiation, Option B was medication, and Option C was surgery.” After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each choice, Norm and his wife decided that surgery would be the best path forward.
“When faced with making decisions and weighing options, I evaluate the effects of each choice and determine which one we can live with,” said Norm.
In April of 2020, Norm underwent surgery, and Dr. Dresner successfully removed his prostate. For the next four and a half years, Norm continued regular monitoring of his PSA levels. His strong faith and positive attitude helped him cope with the challenges along the way, always adjusting his life and living it to the fullest. His wife often jokes that he acts like a kid, full of energy and vitality despite the obstacles he faced.
Norm continued regular visits with Dr. Dresner after his surgery. However, during a routine check-up, Norm’s PSA levels began to climb once again. This time, the treatment options were fewer. Recognizing the need for specialized cancer treatment, Dr. Dresner referred Norm to the radiation oncology team at Missouri Cancer Associates. The seamless partnership between Urology Associates of Central Missouri and Missouri Cancer Associates ensured a continuum of care, allowing Norm to transition smoothly from surgical to radiation treatment. The recommendation was to radiate the area around where his prostate had been removed.
Though nervous about this next step, Norm found comfort in the faces of the “Rad Gang,” as he calls them, at Missouri Cancer Associates. “Their smiles were infectious,” he said. “Every day during my 35 treatments, they made me laugh. Little things like helping me off the radiation table meant the world.” And music was always a constant. “I always sang three songs during my treatments,” Norm recalled. “I knew when the songs were done, so was I.” He sang I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra, Still by Lionel Richie, and Till There Was You by The Beatles—the song chosen for the father-daughter dance at his daughter’s wedding.
When it came time for his 35th and final treatment, Norm had promised himself he wouldn’t cry. But as soon as he rounded the corner and saw his “Rad Gang” wearing MoX-branded t-shirts, he couldn’t hold back the tears. “I lost it,” he admitted. “I tried my best to capture what the team at MCA meant to me in a letter, but it still doesn’t come close to the care I received during those eight weeks. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Photo: Missouri Cancer Associates “Rad Gang”
In December 2024, Norm had his blood work done. The results? A PSA level of 0.02, with no detectable signs of cancer. Norm was cancer-free!
Gratitude Letter-
Through his unwavering positivity, faith, and the dedicated care of his medical team, Norm continues to fill our favorite Columbia, MO restaurants and bars with the music we love to hear. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and a community that supports one another in every battle.
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