Andrew Lee, son of Surevest client Bruce Lee, was named the Winner of the 2018 Charles A. Sanders, M.D. Partnership Award for his unwavering commitment to advancing biomedical research on rare kidney cancers.
The 23 year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May 2015, created the Driven to Cure Foundation which has raised nearly $500,000 to research rare kidney cancer.
Last month, at the FNIH Annual Fall Board Dinner in Washington, D.C., Lee was presented with the award. In a press release, Steven M. Paul, M.D., Chairman of the Board, FNIH said, ““Andrew is an inspiration to all of us. He exemplifies what one individual can do with persistence, hard work and great spirit, to improve the lives of others.” He continued, “We are delighted to present this year’s Charles A. Sanders, M.D., Partnership Award to Andrew for his determination and dedication to supporting biomedical research.”
After being diagnosed at age 19 with a rare kidney cancer known as HLRCC, Andrew formed Driven to Cure, Inc. Through this not-for-profit, he uses his passion for cars to travel the country attending events to raise awareness and funding for rare kidney cancer research in children and young adults. Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in men and women, with the rate of new cases continuing to rise, according to NCI.
“I am truly humbled by this award. And I accept it in honor of those who have come before me, choosing to fight for others in the face of a tough diagnosis. I haven’t stopped fighting, my family and new friends from all over the country have given me tremendous support – and the courage to keep going,” said Andrew. “Driven to Cure is not about me, it’s about the road ahead, and a lot of people making it possible for those AFTER me to face better odds, perhaps even a cure, through lifesaving biomedical research.”
