My family and I were blessed not to know the damages of cancer until 2005. My grandfather become very ill in October 2004 and was rushed to the hospital. The doctors found a tumor on his heart. Within 2 months, the cancer had spread from his heart to his lungs. My grandfather went through chemo and treatments for a few months. Then, in January, the doctors realized that the cancer was moving throughout his body. His kidneys began to shut down along with the rest of his body. In February 2005, my grandfather passed.

My grandfather has been one of the greatest men that I have had the pleasure of knowing. He was a doctor by profession but a philanthropist in his heart. He taught me the importance of giving back and finding a cause you believe in. After watching his illness and his death, I became passionate about fighting cancer and raising awareness. I joined YTAC in Fall 2008 and have been very pleased with my experience with the charity.