Growing up, Rob enjoyed sports and played on his high school baseball team. As a pitcher, Rob relied on his arms. But when he started to experience shoulder pain every time he pitched, he knew something was wrong. The pain became unbearable, and Rob went to a doctor for an MRI. After a referral to Columbia University Irving Medical Center and more testing, he learned there was a tumor in his right shoulder.
Rob was a junior in high school when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 2016. Over four months, he received four separate chemotherapy treatments each lasting four to five days.
Having cancer at such a young age influenced Rob tremendously. “Being diagnosed with cancer made me have a new perspective on life. I learned you should try everything and do the activities you want to do,” he said. “I also felt way more mature than many my age, as I understood what it is like to get diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and go through such rigorous medical treatment.”
Today, Rob is a college graduate and, more importantly, cancer-free! He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ramapo College of New Jersey and works at PwC as a tax associate.
Throughout his cancer journey, Rob’s family and friends were by his side every step of the way. And so was his team at Columbia.
“I was treated by the best doctors and nurses you could possibly have,” said Rob. “They cared for me with such great diligence, always checking on me and making sure my treatments were going OK.”
Every person in the Hope & Heroes community— including our doctors, researchers, and staff—wants our patients to grow up healthy and happy, and we work together to achieve that goal.
“Hope & Heroes IS an amazing organization. From activities in the clinic to events and fundraisers, they support kids and families while they are going through treatment,” said Rob. “Over the past 6 years, I have raised over $50,000 for Hope and Heroes, but my work is not done. I hope to one day help put an end to pediatric cancers and blood disorders and with your help, we can get closer and closer to that goal each day.”
Your support of Hope & Heroes helps ensure that patients like Rob receive the very best treatment so they can enjoy as much of their lives as possible. Please donate today!
