Don Hendrickson' life-changing story is an incredible example of how hope and science can form a perfect union.
On the weekend of his daughter’s wedding shower, a time when family is embraced in celebration, Don reached his limit for enduring frequent and severe back pain. An unexpected CAT scan result revealed a large mass in his abdomen. His wife Christine and daughters Maria and Chelsea were devastated. Days later, Don underwent surgery for a rare type of cancer - stage IV chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. A portion of the cancerous tissue was removed from his kidneys, and the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. According to his surgeon, Don’s prognosis did not look promising, with life expectancy just short of a year.
Against these odds, Don’s positive attitude and his hope for survival would triumph.
Following two personalized treatment regimens in collaboration between his surgeon and VAI researchers, and a second surgery, his results were astonishing. He has been cancer free for more than a year! What affirms his life-changing story even more is his belief that VAI can make a difference for others who suffer from devastating disease. Without hesitation, he donated his cancerous tissue for research at VAI, where scientists study a number of kidney cancers. In just the past two years, a number of studies at VAI have led to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of several types of kidney cancer. Researchers at the institute are committed to learning why Don’s treatment worked so well and its possibilities for others suffering from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.
The beautiful combination of VAI’s mission to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations, Don’s belief in our capacity for discovery, and your continued financial partnership will help make stories like his more common. As you contemplate your year-end philanthropy, please consider making a financial gift to VAI today, where you are assured of getting the most effective application of your gift directly to research and science education.
Please show your support and help us Bring Hope to Life for patients and families by making a donation today. The path to a cure truly begins at VAI.
