Description

Episode 8- Show Notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Anthony Pecorella, a survivor of Burkitt lymphoma. Anthony shares his diagnosis journey at 22, his treatment experiences, and the unexpected friendship with a young girl named Eli, also battling cancer. The conversation highlights the mental and emotional toll of cancer, the importance of a supportive community, and finding strength in vulnerability. Anthony discusses how the ordeal has shaped his life, his advocacy for mental health, and his ongoing efforts in public speaking and raising cancer awareness. The episode closes with powerful reflections on enduring relationships formed through shared battles and the lasting impact of inspiration and hope.

Discussed in this episode:

• Anthony's Cancer Journey Begins
• Finding the Right Oncologist
• Anthony's Experience with Inpatient Chemotherapy
• Building Connections Throughout Treatment 
• Ringing the Bell: A Milestone in the Cancer Journey
• Eli's GoFundMe and the Power of Community Support
• A Heartbreaking Loss: Remembering Eli
• Emotional Reunion at the Football Game
• Spinal Tap Stories and Finding Humor in Hard Times
• Throwing the First Pitch: A Special Memory
• The Mental and Physical Challenges Post-Cancer
• Faith and Finding Purpose Through Adversity
• Life After Treatment: New Beginnings and Public Speaking
• Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement

More from Anthony:

Anthony Pecorella is a Division 1 college football player from Malverne, New York. After graduating from Chaminade High School in 2019, he enrolled at the University of Maryland. While there, Anthony showed out both on and off the field. After four years at the University of Maryland, Anthony was set to return home to Long Island to complete his eligibility at Stony Brook University. Unfortunately, Anthony never got the chance to play for Stony Brook due to being diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma on July 26, 2023. Now almost two years removed from that diagnosis, Anthony has beaten cancer, achieved two college degrees, and now has his eyes set on returning to the field for the University of Maine this fall. After two years of being on the sidelines, Anthony is ready to get back to playing the game he loves.

Connect with Anthony: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ant_pec98/?hl=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds____/?hl=en

2024 Team Impact Gala Speech: https://youtu.be/KmlauhkNRkY?si=yf0jE4pkjfZjim6q

More from Gwen: 

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

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