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Andre Sanders holds his arms up in victory at Roswell Park

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.

Rohan

Fun fact:

I like cars, especially exotic cars. My favorite car is the Ferrari SF90.

Where are you from?

I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

What’s your biggest hope for the future?

I want to be a pro soccer player. 

Favorite hobby?

Playing soccer and video games. 

What’s your connection to Roswell Park?

Roswell Park put an end to my cancer treatment! 

Why should someone go Bald?

To bring awareness and show respect for people who are fighting/have fought the cancer battle. 

What do you say to the people raising money for cancer patients at Roswell Park?

Thank you for helping raise money for patients like me and to help put an end to cancer! 

A smiling boy wearing glasses, a blue shirt, and a yellow ribbon sits on the edge of a desk in a computer lab with green chairs. Framed hockey photos hang behind him, celebrating his Bald For Bucks achievement.
Two smiling boys, now proudly bald, stand in front of a red wall. One holds a sign reading "AFTER #BaldforBucks." Behind them are posters supporting the Bald for Bucks fundraiser for cancer.
A smiling, bald child with glasses sits in a car, making a heart shape with their hands. They wear a white "Fight Like a Warrior" t-shirt and colorful bracelets as sunlight shines through the window.
A smiling young girl with glasses, a white headband, and curly hair sits in an auditorium holding a bouquet of roses. She wears a white dress with pink floral patterns and is seated beside a bald companion.

Mya

Where are you from?

I am from Cheektowaga, New York.

What’s your biggest hope for the future?

My biggest hope for the future is continued good health and providing support to others who have to go through this journey. 

Favorite hobby?

My favorite hobbies are crafting and music.

What’s your connection to Roswell Park?

I am a patient at Roswell Park. We are still going monthly. Everyone is like family.

Why should someone go Bald?

Someone should go Bald for Bucks to raise awareness and help pediatric cancer.

What do you say to the people raising money for cancer patients at Roswell Park?

I would tell someone who’s raising money for Roswell Park:  THANK YOU!! It means so much!!

Mark Grimaldi Sr.

Fun fact:

In 2018 I came to work full-time for a brief period, so not only was I a patient for many years, but I was a Roswell Park employee as well. I worked in urology with several of my own doctors and nurses and then briefly in radiology. I retired at that point as I approached age 62. 

What’s your connection to Roswell Park?

My connection to Roswell Park is that I’ve been a patient since 2012. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and in the years to follow had surgery, 37 radiation treatments, took part in a clinical trial and, because I have metastatic prostate cancer which has spread, I’ve been on Androgen therapy. My fight continues.

How did you first get involved with Bald for Bucks?

My first involvement with Bald for Bucks was through my son, Mark Grimaldi Jr. At the time he became involved, he was working with Whirlin Disc Sound providing music and then a photo booth. He was involved because of my cancer and he previously lost his mother to breast cancer at age 40 when he was just 18. 

Why should someone go Bald?

Going Bald is a way to feel personally involved in raising money for cancer research. And I know firsthand, RESEARCH MATTERS! Also having been bald most of my adult life I can save it’s cool! 

What is your message to people raising money for cancer patients at Roswell Park?

Whether you’re donating money to someone participating in getting their head shaved or volunteering time at the event is the same, RESEARCH MATTERS. New research has led to many new treatments and care options I’ve already received. I’ve been living with cancer and fighting for over 10 years now. I plan on being here for my wife, my three children, my four grandchildren and my extended family. Oh, and my cats Maximus and Marty.

A bald, middle-aged man with a gray beard and glasses, dressed in a maroon shirt, looks up at the camera with a slight smile. He sits in a room furnished with green chairs.
Five people smile and pose in front of a leafy backdrop, proudly holding signs that say "Bald is Beautiful!" and "AFTER #StBaldricks." Two children stand up front, one raising her arm excitedly to celebrate going bald.
A smiling, bald person stands in front of a wooden fence, wearing a purple shirt that reads "#rileyswarriors" with a small green and purple awareness ribbon.
A bald young person in a mask and blue hoodie rings a brass bell mounted on a wooden plaque in a hospital, signifying the end of treatment. A sign with a poem and a photo is visible next to the bell.

Riley

Where are you from?

I am from North Collins, New York.

What’s your biggest hope for the future?

My biggest hope for the future is to stay cancer free and be able to achieve all my goals and dreams along with continuing to give back to the local cancer community.

Favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is watching movies.

What’s your connection to Roswell Park?

I am connected to Roswell Park in many ways.  Some of my family members have been treated at Roswell, my mom has worked there for many years and on July 17, 2020 during the height of COVID-19, I was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma at 12 years old. With my cancer diagnosis, we knew Roswell Park was the best place for me to receive treatment since they have a great oncology and blood disorder program that they share with Oishei Children's Hospital. All the staff in clinic were so nice and even fun sometimes which made my time there much more bearable. I went through eight rounds of in-patient chemotherapy and two major abdominal surgeries over eight months. I have now been in remission for over three years. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me along my cancer journey.  My mom likes to say that we are stronger together.  Roswell Park saved my life.

What do you say to the people raising money for cancer patients at Roswell Park?

I say, thank you!! You provide hope! Hope that one day there will no longer be cancer!