Driven To Cure
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Surevest client, Andrew Lee. He passed away Easter Sunday April 21st 2019 at age 23. Four years earlier he was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC), which currently has no known cure. Doctors told Andrew he may only have a year to live. With this news, Andrew and his family immediately looked for any new clinical trial which might help him. Andrew was referred to The National Institute of Health where research through clinical trials is having some success for HLRCC.
Andrew volunteered for seven different experimental trials, sometimes being the first one to receive the new treatment. Andrew approached each clinical trial with a positive attitude. More incredible is what Andrew created during his short time; Driven To Cure.
Driven To Cure is a nonprofit that raises awareness and provides funding for rare kidney cancer research. Andrew traveled the country in his bright orange Nissan GTR attending car shows and drawing large crowds. He’d talk about his experience, treatment, and life as he became an inspiration to many around the world.
To date, Driven To Cure has raised over $600,000 for research, receiving donations from 160 countries.
Andrew is survived by his mother Sarah, father Bruce, brother Tommy, girlfriend Hailey and dogs Bruno & Milo. The family’s goal, along with many friends and supporters, is to continue Driven To Cure’s mission and what Andrew started, in the hopes to one day find a cure for HLRCC.
Andrew you’ve made a positive impact on so many lives in this world.
Click here to read a tribute to Andrew from the Director of NIH, Dr. Francis Collins:
