Survivor Squad
Cancer has no limit.
It affects us all.
Take a look at these incredible cancer survivors. Their stories of strength and resiliency inspire us to take action to end cancer.
Andre Sanders
Bald for Bucks Survivor Squad
Where are you from?
Amherst, NY
What’s your favorite color?
Blue
What’s your biggest hope for the future?
Being a football player
What’s your connection to Roswell Park?
Roswell Park saved my life!
What do you wish a Bald for Bucks participant knew about you?
I am Andre The Warrior. My name Andre means “Warrior.” I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 4 years old. I overcame 9 months of treatment including surgery to remove my left kidney, chemotherapy and radiation. I am 6 years old now and I am a cancer survivor.
Why should someone go Bald?
To raise money for cancer research and cancer programs at Roswell Park for people like me!
What would you say to the people raising money for cancer patients and cancer research at Roswell Park?
Thank you for caring about me! You helped save my life and supported my family both during treatment and now through survivorship.
What kind of cancer did you have?
Wilm’s Tumor (Nephroblastoma, Kidney Cancer)
Claire Schenck
Bald for Bucks Survivor Squad
Where are you from?
Clymer, NY
What’s your favorite color?
I don’t have just one 🙂 Hot pink, purple and teal.
What’s your biggest hope for the future?
To live a happy and wonderful life. To not have to worry about my cancer coming back, not having to go through anymore surgeries or chemo treatments.
What’s your connection to Roswell Park?
I was directed there by my neurosurgeon, Dr. Renee Reynolds, once they knew the diagnosis of my tumor.
What do you wish a Bald for Bucks participant knew about you?
That I loved being bald! That being bald is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of!
Why should someone go Bald?
Someone should go bald because it’s really ok to be bald. It’s hard to deal with hair falling out in places where it probably shouldn’t be — food, pools, clogging your family’s shower — oops! All in all it’s a great look!!
What would you say to the people raising money for cancer patients and cancer research at Roswell Park?
That all of their efforts are very much appreciated. Their donations help fund research for treatments to save lives for many young kids, teens and adults.
What kind of cancer did you have?
I have a Low Grade Glioma brain tumor.
Shannon Gonzales
Survivor Squad
Fun Fact:
I am a runner and I love the outdoors. I’ve been married to my husband for 13 years and have two children 8 and 11. I am a teacher at Frontier Middle School, and I am also the modified track and field coach.
Connection to Roswell:
I am a patient at Roswell. I was diagnosed with Melanoma on my right thigh three years ago. I will be for the next 7 years (out of 10). I see Dr. Kane, who is not only an amazing doctor but is also an amazing human.
Why should someone go Bald?
I really don’t think I can answer this question. Everyone’s reason for going bald is vastly different and I think it is more of a personal decision. What I can say is that if going bald is a choice you are making, create a poster or a video to show those around you WHY you are making this choice. Let everyone know your own experience, and most likely, you will help someone else.
What do you say to the people raising money for cancer patients at Roswell Park?
When raising money for patients at Roswell, you are helping researchers and scientists to find ways to help cancer patients through various treatments. This money also helps the families of cancer patients, because, as we need to remember, they too, are facing the diagnosis along with their loved ones.
Join us to end cancer