For Four Diamonds survivor Brad, his connection to cancer began long before he dedicated his career to researching new cancer treatments.
Today, he leads a team developing therapies that could improve outcomes for patients around the world. But more than 30 years ago, he was the patient sitting in the hospital receiving treatment.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
When Brad was in eighth grade, he began experiencing pain in his right knee. As an active teenager who played multiple sports, he and his mom assumed it was just another sports injury.
When the pain didn't go away, his mom took him to the doctor. An X-ray revealed a tumor, and Brad was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
Soon after, he began treatment in Hershey, at what is now Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital. Twice a month, Brad spent about a week in the hospital receiving chemotherapy.
In addition to chemotherapy, he underwent limb salvage surgery to remove the tumor. Surgeons replaced the lower end of his femur with a new knee, allowing him to keep his leg.
Treatment meant Brad missed most of eighth grade and completed his freshman year of high school from home.
Finding Relief Through Four Diamonds
From the very beginning of treatment, Four Diamonds helped ease the burden on Brad and his family.
His mother, a single parent and teacher, was overwhelmed by the financial stress that came with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Brad's Four Diamonds social worker introduced them to the organization, explaining that Four Diamonds would cover the cost of his treatment not paid for by insurance and provide gas vouchers for travel to and from the hospital.
"It was a huge relief for my mom," Brad said. "She could focus on helping me get better instead of worrying about the bills."
Learning to Navigate Survivorship
Finishing treatment was a major milestone, but survivorship came with its own challenges.
Brad had to adjust to physical limitations that made it more difficult to participate in the activities he once loved. He also learned to accept the lasting scars left behind by treatment and surgery.
As the years passed, however, his perspective began to shift.
While studying biology at Penn State University, Brad discovered a passion that would define his future. Inspired by his own experience, he realized he wanted to dedicate his career to cancer research.
He went on to earn his master's degree, MBA and PhD, building the foundation for a career focused on improving cancer treatment.
Turning Experience into Purpose
Today, Brad leads a team of scientists developing new cancer therapeutics. His work involves identifying promising treatments, testing new molecules and preparing them for clinical trials.
His personal experience gives him a unique perspective.
Brad understands the long-term effects childhood cancer survivors can face, making the work deeply meaningful.
"I've gone through this, and I get to help deliver new medicines to patients that could potentially change someone's life," he said.
Giving Back in More Ways Than One
Brad's commitment to helping children with cancer extends beyond the laboratory.
A few years ago, he began giving back financially by becoming a Four Diamonds donor.
He still remembers the relief his family felt when Four Diamonds stepped in during treatment.
"I remember how impactful Four Diamonds was for my mom," Brad said. "Finances and insurance shouldn't even be a concern for a parent or a child. They should only be thinking about getting treatment and getting healthy."
A Message for Today's Four Diamonds Families
Brad wants every child facing cancer today to know they are never alone.
He hopes they recognize the community standing beside them and believes their experiences, while difficult, do not define what their future can become.
"Pediatric cancer is challenging, and I'm still dealing with some issues," Brad said. "But I used my experiences to shape my future, and other kids can do that too. It's taking lemons and making lemonade."
More than three decades after his diagnosis, cancer continues to shape Brad's life. While he still lives with lasting effects from treatment, the experience also gave him a deeper appreciation for each day and inspired a career dedicated to helping others.
Today, every breakthrough his team pursues is driven by more than science. It's driven by the perspective of someone who once sat in hospital rooms like the people he now hopes to help.