Vincent Cisternino

We need warriors. Cancer is our enemy. If we are going to win this war, it will require total commitment. Louis Pasture said, "Chance favors the prepared mind”, I believe in this strongly. If we are going to improve the survivorship of children with cancer we must have the best minds and strongest bodies tirelessly pursue the answers. That is why I have put my body and mind where my mouth is. At age 40 and 330 pounds I have made a commitment to fight for those who are stricken. To do this I must challenge myself, connect with the source, create a stronger body, and sharpen my mind. With this I can raise money and awareness for innovative weapons against the effects of cancer and fight harder as a healthcare provider.

 

 I need your help in reaching my fundraising goals. Several other Team Endure to Cure athletes and I are trying to raise $50,000 to fund a pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital beginning in 2011. The study will enable a clinical psychologist to research methods to reduce the long-term effects of harsh treatments on pediatric cancer patients. Your donation will directly go towards funding a Masters or PhD-level clinical research psychologist’s salary for a year. The clinical psychologist will be the sole person involved in this study.

 

Sixty percent of pediatric cancer patients will suffer long term side effects, often times severe, after they have been deemed "survivors." Post-survivorship is a very underfunded and under-examined area of study. This study can have an immediate impact with patients the psychologist examines, and a long-term effect as more data can be used to put new post-survivorship treatment methods into place.

 

I am now 40 pounds lighter and growing stronger every day. I hope you will consider giving to this cause and being part of my transformation from Walrus to Warrior. With your support, you will have taken an important part in easing the suffering and increasing the survivorship of those brave children at war with cancer. 

 

Thank you!