Kids/Families We improve the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with malignant diseases.

Daniel's Story - Giving Back

It was the summer before his senior year at Indiana University when Daniel noticed a lump on his neck.  No one seemed to have the quick answer he was hoping for, and eventually, a biopsy revealed that the lump was cancer.  In June of 2008, Daniel was diagnosed with diffused large B Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer requiring prompt treatment. As “luck” would have it, says Daniel, leading pediatric cancer researcher, Dr. Mitchell Cairo, lived in his hometown. Dr. Cairo began treating Daniel’s disease using therapy discovered through PCRF funded research. Within four months, Daniel was cancer free but his journey with PCRF was only beginning. 

After graduating college with a degree in Business, Daniel was invited to share his story at PCRF’s annual golf tournament.  “It was monumental to be with family and friends and to thank Dr. Cairo for his work on the one year anniversary of being in complete remission,” says Daniel. Inspired by the impact that PCRF’s work had on his life, Daniel decided to give back, “I wanted to pursue making more strides for other patients that needed help”. 

Today, Daniel is the Data Manager for Pediatric Blood & Stem Cell Transplantaion at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and New York Medical College.  Passionate about his work in pediatric cancer research, he says, “I have the opportunity to help other kids get the life-saving treatment they need”. 

Daniel is an inspiration to all of us here at PCRF. His commitment and contribution to pediatric cancer research brings hope to children and families who desperately need it.