TORONTO — Russell Willer’s world was turned upside down last year when he was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Russell Willer
The 25-year-old was in film school in Vancouver when he went to the doctor to check out a pain in his chest.
“Within four days, I came home to Toronto and began eight months of chemotherapy and radiation.”
Now, as he’s about to finish his treatments, he feels “extremely lucky” that his family and friends have rallied around to support him during his ordeal.
“My father, who is a health nut, had cancer 25 years ago, and he still supports Princess Margaret Hospital. We’ve gotten together a team of 18 people who are raising $2,500 each, and we’re taking part in the 2011 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Campbell Family Institute at the hospital.
“Our team will ride with heavy hearts, dedicating our efforts to countless families, like mine, who have been impacted by cancer, and to the many people who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease.”
As a prelude to the ride, Willer is throwing a fundraising party, Strikeout Cancer, at Playtime Bowl, 33 Samor Rd., on May 7.
“I want to do more than the ride, and I want to celebrate with the people who helped me out during this difficult time.”
The evening – he expects about 400 people – includes exclusive use of the 48-lane facility, food, drinks, prizes, and a silent auction with more than 100 items.
For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.strikeoutcancer.info, or e-mail Willer at [email protected]
