Inspirational Stories

It was 40 years ago that Tony was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at age 2. Back then, the disease wasn't very well understood, and the technologies and treatments didn't have a great deal to offer. It was a rough road, but Tony managed to make it through with the help of his mother and many experimental drugs. He went through chemotherapy, radiation, spinal taps, and hair loss, and at age 12, his doctors couldn't find any trace of leukemia.

Even though he missed a lot of school, he still graduated from high school and got his bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Texas. In 1973, the hope of survival was pretty low, but now, thanks to new drugs, technology, and the help of other survivors, diagnoses are less daunting.

Tony volunteers for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) North Texas chapter and has participated in the Light The Night (LTN) Walk for his mother who passed away from lymphoma.