Recapping 2022 at the Chike Springer Foundation: An Impactful Year of Giving! It has been a year of growth and progress here at the Chike Springer Foundation. We worked hard to raise awareness about lymphoma and to fund research initiatives focused on helping those impacted by this disease.

Hear the story of Claireliese Kennedy, the visionary behind Lymphoma Ladies, shares her story of courage and hope as a lymphoma survivor. Her inspiring journey led to the creation of this empowering organization dedicated to providing a safe place for young adult ladies with lymphoma, past or present.

Hear the story of Paige Comer, a young woman who was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 28. Learn how she advocated for herself and how patient advocacy can make a difference in the face of cancer.

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.

LtCol Passerella spoke of how he met Chike Springer at Walter Reed, and Chike's positive character and strong spirit really 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 he was asked to speak at this event, was devastated to learn about Chike's passing. We are so appreciative that LtCol Passerella shared 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.

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."

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.

Dr. Dunleavy, a member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, 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.

The Chike Springer Foundation is honored to have Dr. Kieron Dunleavy represent the Lymphoma Research Foundation as a guest speaker at the Fight Lymphoma Dinner Party. We are confident that his expertise and experience will help us raise awareness and funds to support lymphoma research and provide assistance to veterans with lymphoma.

During his treatment, Chike was adamant about giving back and contributing to the cure for lymphoma. He frequently talked about starting a non-profit. The Chike Springer Foundation was created in honor of the late Chike Springer. We are determined to learn from Chike’s battle with cancer and to help others who are fighting a similar battle.

We're excited to announce that the Lymphoma Research Foundation invited us to participate in the LRF CEO Advisory Committee. This committee aims to elevate patient and caregiver voices within the Lymphoma Community to inform programs and initiatives within the LRF. The committee is made up of about a dozen people from across the United States and Canada, meeting twice a year to discuss special topics. Chike's brother, Adwin, and I are proud to represent the Chike Springer Foundation and continue to advocate for underrepresented groups.

“When I did relapse, I had an oncologist that didn't understand that this happens. Like I think they were underprepared to deal with that. And I remember even one of my first appointments, them telling me it was the good cancer, the greatest cancer to have. And I was like, what? Like there is no good cancer.” - Chelsey Gomez, Artist & Cancer Advocate

Lyndsay Springer, President of the Chike Springer Foundation, talks with artist and cancer advocate, Chelsey Gomez, about the inspiration behind her Instagram page @Ohyouresotough.