Chike Springer Foundation kicks off Veterans Initiative with Fight Lymphoma Dinner Party
Last week, the Chike Springer Foundation kicked off its Veterans Initiative with the Fight Lymphoma Dinner Party. The event occurred at the Capitol View at 400 Washington, D.C. It featured guest speakers Senator Dan Sullivan (AK), world-renowned lymphoma expert Dr. Kieron Dunleavy, and Lt.Col. Christopher Passerella, a lymphoma survivor who shared his story. An evening of entertainment, raffle prizes and heartfelt stories created a memorable experience for all. The night also commemorated the launch of our Veteran's Initiative in collaboration with the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The Veteran's initiative aims to increase awareness and support lymphoma research efforts for Active Military members and Veterans. The party was a great success, and we are grateful to our donors and sponsors who made this event possible. Thank you for helping us fight lymphoma!
Senator Dan Sullivan spoke at the event and shared stories about Chike’s character and commitment to helping others.
Senator Dan Sullivan proudly spoke of Chike during the event, painting an inspiring portrait of someone who was heroic yet humble and found fullness in life through his commitment to helping those around him. Chike served as a staff assistant and legislative correspondent on Team Sullivan. Senator Sullivan stressed the importance of funding research that caters to diverse communities, including Active Military Members and Veterans, speaking with emotion as he regaled stories about Chike's humble character and how he led a full life.
"I'll never forget when I brought Chike into a meeting with General Mark Milley, who's currently the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and at the time was Chief of Staff of the Army. And I honestly remember thinking, Chike, this job could be yours someday. That's the kind of talent, inspiration that he exhibited. Now, we all know, tragically, that that day never came. And everyone who knew Chike, including everyone in my office, was absolutely heartbroken and devastated, shocked when we learned of his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019. It literally did not seem possible that a young man with so much life in him and so much strength in him could be suffering from something so pernicious. But we knew he would fight. He did fight. We saw it, the courage of that fight, to the very end. And throughout that, he continued to be this incredible example for all of us, including me, because he was going through hell and yet continued to be this strong, positive force in our office and our lives every day. But he did not go gently into that good night. He wanted to leave a legacy to help others. And working with Lyndsay he has succeeded."
Senator Sullivan also discussed the importance of funding diverse research. It was an honor to hear Senator Sullivan reflect on his time with Chike. His words were powerful and inspiring.
World-renowned lymphoma expert Dr. Kieron Dunleavy emphasizes the importance of lymphoma research
Dr. Dunleavy, a Lymphoma Research Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board member, spoke about the importance of funding research to help those affected by this terrible disease and underscored how it could ultimately improve patient outcomes. He highlighted the progress made in understanding lymphoma, from diagnosis to treatment, and expressed his gratitude that patients have been able to benefit from recent research. He also discussed why funding is necessary for furthering our knowledge of this disease.
"Lymphoma is, it's about the fifth most common type of cancer. It's a very treatable cancer. I can't tell you how much it's changed over the last ten years because of research. There really has been huge progress. I see this on a daily basis with my patients and often telling them, look, if you were here, five years ago, ten years ago or fifteen years ago, we wouldn't be having this kind of conversation that we're going to cure you. You're going to live now for 30 years because of research and because of partnering with companies, etc...So it's really, really hugely important. And I just can’t emphasize that enough."
The funds raised will help support vital lymphoma research and allow researchers like Dr. Dunleavy to continue leading the charge against this deadly disease. We are excited to continue partnering with the Lymphoma Research Foundation and working alongside lymphoma experts like Dr. Dunleavy to achieve our mission to improve treatment outcomes for lymphoma patients and increase diversity in cancer research.
LtCol Chris Passerella: A lymphoma survivor's story
We were also fortunate to be joined by LtCol Christopher Passerella, a lymphoma survivor of stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He was joined by his wife Candace and seven-year-old daughter, Violeta. LtCol Chris Passerella is a profound reminder of the importance and power of advocacy, perseverance, and courage. We are so grateful for LtCol Passerella's unwavering commitment to helping those around him by sharing his story. With an unforgettable narrative of his diagnosis and treatment, he underscored the necessity of advocating for oneself throughout this arduous process. LtCol Passerella discovered he had cancer after experiencing chronic back pain and pushing for further tests. After undergoing treatment, he refused to give up, and with the help of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center team, he eventually beat cancer. LtCol Passerella also shared his reluctance to do the bell-ringing ceremony at the end of chemotherapy, as it reminded him of those who never got that chance. Ultimately, he decided that it was necessary to provide hope to those in the fight and for the staff who needed to see a win.
“My dose was increased to the highest level allowed medically, and it worked. When I approached the bell-ringing ceremony at the end of chemotherapy. And I'll do my best to hold it together here. I did not want to ring the bell at the end of chemo because there were people who would never leave those chairs and would be getting treatment until the treatment was no longer working for them. But then I was encouraged by the thought that the staff that fights this every day needs those successes to keep going, and I’m so grateful that I did that ceremony with you guys that are actually at that table. Thank you.”
LtCol Passerella spoke of how he met Chike Springer at Walter Reed, and Chike's positive character and strong spirit caught his attention. He recalled that he told Chike,
"It's gonna suck. It's a beast. Embrace the beast. 'Buckle your chin strap and fight back. You've got this.'"
When asked to speak at this event, LtCol Passerella was devastated to learn about Chike's passing. We appreciate LtCol Passerella sharing his story to help us raise awareness and funds to advance lymphoma research and honor Chike Springer's legacy. He embodied the spirit of hope with every word, inspiring us all to fight back against lymphoma and do whatever we can to make a difference in the lives of those affected. He is an inspiring example of how to fight cancer with strength and grace.
CEO Lyndsay Springer: A dedicated advocate for lymphoma research and diversity in medicine
Lyndsay Springer is making a difference in the fight against lymphoma, and using her late husband's legacy to help others affected by the disease. She is the CEO and founder of the Chike Springer Foundation, established to advance lymphoma research and make it more diverse.
"Unfortunately, there are large gaps and issues of equity in cancer research. Some of the statistically under-represented groups in Lymphoma include: Military / Veterans, Adolescent and Young Adults, and people of color. Chike intersected all three of those groups and these groups are the groups we focus on."
Lyndsay Springer is a dedicated advocate for lymphoma patients, survivors, their families, and caregivers. She plays an active role in highlighting inspiring stories and is committed to raising funds for lymphoma research. Since its inception, the Chike Springer Foundation has invested $30,000 into a junior researcher, Dr. Luis Malpica, who has since secured almost $1 Million in funding to advance his research on lymphoma in under-researched populations in Latin America.
"Since being named the Chike Springer Legacy Scholar in 2021, Dr. Malpica has secured close to $1 million dollars in grant and research funding for his continued work. These investments and mentorship programs set into motion more actions that help these projects get in front of more people and the results are exponential. $30k to $1 million."
The Fight Lymphoma Dinner Party kicked off her next initiative to bring more support resources to VA hospitals and Military Treatment Facilities. The Chike Springer Foundation will also co-sponsor research that analyzes lymphoma in the Military/Veteran population compared to the average population and sponsor an additional project with the Lymphoma Research Foundation focused on Lymphoma treatment in the Military/Veteran population.
Through her tireless efforts, Lyndsay is positively impacting the fight against lymphoma, and we are so grateful for her dedication. We thank and honor her for her important work, and she is an exemplary advocate for the cause.
The Fight Lymphoma Dinner Party was a truly memorable evening, and we are so grateful for the generosity of all those who attended.
Proceeds from the event will fund innovative research on improving care for lymphoma patients, survivors, their families, and caregivers. We also would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our powerful speakers—Senator Dan Sullivan, Dr. Kieron Dunleavy, LtCol Chris Passerella, and Lyndsay Springer—for their inspiring words of hope and strength.
We are deeply moved by the dedication of these individuals, who have all contributed to the fight against lymphoma in their own ways, and we thank them for their valuable contributions. We are confident that together we can move forward in our mission to find new and innovative treatments for lymphoma.
Finally, we are so thankful to our sponsors—Sequoia Strategies and Solutions, Silencio Coffee, Woodlawn Press Winery, Full-Tilt Brewing, B Lin Catering, Davinci Flowers, Rare Bird Salon, Evolution Glamping and Alphagraphics Alexandria—for their generous contributions. Without them, this event would not have been possible, and we are truly grateful for their support. Thank you all!
One day soon, we will celebrate a world free from lymphoma. Until then, let us forge ahead in the fight together. Together we can make a difference and create positive change for those affected by this disease.