In 2017, my dad, Lawrence, was diagnosed with paraganglioma, a rare and complex form of cancer. From the moment he received the diagnosis, he faced an uphill battle—multiple surgeries, difficult treatments, and countless challenges that would have tested anyone’s strength. Yet through it all, he never gave up. His courage wasn’t only about enduring the physical hardships; it was a reflection of how he lived his life. He believed that true strength comes from within, and even in his hardest moments, he showed us what it means to persevere, to fight, and to never lose hope. To those who knew him, Lawrence was so much more than a patient—he was a devoted father, a source of strength, and an inspiration.

To better understand what my dad was facing, it’s important to know a little about paraganglioma itself. Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that develop from the paraganglia, a collection of nerve tissue found throughout the body. They can occur anywhere from the head and neck to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. In my dad’s case, the tumors developed because of a genetic mutation in the SDHB gene. Mutations in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) gene family are among the most common inherited causes of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (tumors of the adrenal gland). These conditions fall under what are known as SDH syndromes—hereditary disorders that increase the risk of developing these rare tumors. Other inherited conditions that may also be linked include Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes and Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma (FIPA).

Because this disease is so rare, awareness and research are still limited compared to more common cancers. That is why raising funds and shining a light on paraganglioma is so important—we urgently need better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately, a cure. This fundraiser is about more than just honoring my dad’s memory; it is about continuing his fight. By supporting research, spreading awareness, and standing together, we can bring hope to families facing this devastating disease and move closer to a future where no one has to go through what my dad did.

If you are unable to attend and support the event in person, please consider making a donation through this fundraising page—your contribution will still make a meaningful difference.