As a first year medical student at Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Andrew Appert, 24, is closer to achieving his dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist. Andrew’s personal experience with cancer has made him resilient and motivated to help other pediatric cancer patients as a volunteer, mentor and future doctor.
Andrew was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2001 a few days before starting half-day kindergarten. He attended full-day kindergarten the following year to make up for all the days he was sick. When Andrew finished his cancer treatment, he experienced late-effects from the chemotherapy. He needed physical and occupational therapy for motor skills impairment, years of growth hormone injections for stunted growth, and treatment for several broken bones due to osteopenia.
Andrew’s family was also impacted by his cancer. While his parents were devastated, they turned to their faith and community for support. Andrew also learned to rely on his faith and valued the support from friends, family and even strangers who prayed for and encouraged him. His faith has been a source of comfort and strength during adversity and has helped him focus on his blessings. Andrew says he has received many blessings from wonderful organizations and their volunteers. For example, Camp Sunshine and Blue Skies Ministries have offered life-changing experiences and valuable insight into the impact of compassion and understanding for others. As a result, Andrew wanted to help kids battling cancer, so in 2002 when he was still undergoing treatment, Andrew and his family started “Friends of Andrew,” a charity to collect new toys for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) cancer patients. They have collected and donated hundreds of toys over the years. In more recent years, Andrew created a website (www.friendsofandrew.org) and a Friends of Andrew Facebook page to help raise community awareness.
In 2019, Andrew graduated cum laude from Notre Dame as a double-major in neuroscience and theology. He is confident these majors will help him become a knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. In 2017, Andrew volunteered as a researcher at the Neuroblastoma Center for Excellence at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He contributed to cancer research and his d to cancer research and my blessingsermia in 2001 and future doctor.
vated to helpeving his dream of becoming a pediatric name was included on a published study. Additionally, Andrew shadowed two pediatric general surgeons. From 2017 to 2019, he worked at the Harper Cancer Research Institute while attending Notre Dame and conducted research on microRNAs which led to his senior thesis. Andrew also volunteered at a South Bend hospital, comforting oncology and post-surgery patients and at a family clinic for the medically underserved. He also participated in Urban Plunge in Atlanta (a week-long service learning program on homelessness) and various Notre Dame fundraisers. While studying abroad in Rome, Italy, Andrew worked with refugees. For two years at Notre Dame, he mentored a local child from a disadvantaged background to help build the child’s confidence and self-esteem. Andrew says, “These experiences emphasized the importance of empathy, respect and human dignity and the duty we have to help one another.”
Andrew also has had the privilege of serving as a counselor and activity leader at Camp Sunshine for their summer camps, sibling camps, family camps, and bereavement events. In addition, he volunteered as a family partner at Blue Skies, an organization that offers beachside retreats for families coping with pediatric cancer.
After graduating from Notre Dame in 2019, Andrew took a gap year to pursue additional research work, clinical experience and community service opportunities. He was fortunate to work as a researcher in the neurosurgery department of CHOA and to shadow several brain surgeries. Andrew says he was honored and privileged to shadow his former oncologist, Dr. Bergsagel, to gain insight into the nature of care required for pediatric cancer patients and their families. “I have long loved and admired Dr. B and hope to follow in his footsteps,” states Andrew.
Through his education and volunteer activities, Andrew has met many amazing kids and families in the pediatric cancer community. Sadly, he has also lost friends to this devastating disease. However, Andrew says that their battles inspire him and motivate him to remain active in helping kids with cancer and to continue to pursue his goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
Because of his passion to help children battling cancer, Andrew has remained determined to work hard to achieve his dream. He has pursued challenging yet rewarding educational opportunities as well as pediatric cancer research, clinical experience and community service. “My passion is to help others the way I was helped by so many people during my battle with cancer,” Andrew says.
When offering advice to pediatric cancer patients, Andrew can refer back to his life experiences. He says, “I would tell children who are currently battling cancer that it is okay to feel whatever emotions they are feeling, but to know that there are lots of people there for them who want to help and encourage them. They are not alone and should never be afraid to ask for help.” Andrew continues, “Simply take things one day at a time, stay positive and don’t underestimate your own strength. One day you will look back on your experience and wonder how you did it.”
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