Porter Robinson Starts Fund In Honor Of His Brother Defeating Cancer

Porter Robinson Starts Fund In Honor Of His Brother Defeating Cancer

In November 2016, Porter Robinson’s brother Mark was diagnosed with and hospitalized for a rare form of cancer called Burkitt lymphoma. Through a combination of specialist care, he went into remission in February 2017 and now lives cancer free (with regular check ups).

Porter is taking the opportunity now as his debut festival Second Sky approaches to launch the Robinson Malawi Fund. He explains:

“The survival rate for Burkitt lymphoma in the US is 90% or higher. But for kids in Malawi, where it’s much more common due to the connection between malaria and this form of cancer, the survival rate can be as low as about 29%. One of Mark’s doctors, Dr. Westmoreland, leads the pediatric cancer program that UNC operates in Malawi.

I’m starting a fund in cooperation with UNC to help improve the survival rate in that region so that those families won’t have to needlessly lose loved ones. In this case, more resources translates directly into higher survival rates.”

Mark’s doctor, Dr. Westmoreland, will have a booth at Second Sky to share information and accept donations for this cause. Porter will match all donations made at the festival. In addition, Porter and Goldenvoice are donating one dollar from each ticket sale for the sold-out event, and the festival’s online live stream will also feature a way to make donations.

If you’d like to get involved in supporting this cause, you can find more information here. You can see Porter Robinson and more at Second Sky in just a little over a week.

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in november of 2016, my then 17-year-old younger brother Mark was hospitalized with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Burkitt lymphoma. he had a mass in his abdomen that was doubling in size every 24 hours. mark is pretty much my best friend – it was utterly devastating and one of the most difficult things i've ever been through (and surely a million times worse for him). through mark's own fortitude, and through the high quality of care from his doctors (Drs. Westmoreland & Hipps), nurses and staff at @UNCMedicine, i'm extremely happy to say that, as of February 2017 Mark finished his treatment and is now 100% cancer free and thriving. here's why i'm bringing this up: the survival rate for Burkitt lymphoma in the US is 90% or higher. but for kids in malawi, where it's much more common due to the connection between malaria and this form of cancer, the survival rate can be as low as about 29%. one of Mark’s doctors, Dr. Westmoreland, leads the pediatric cancer program that UNC operates in Malawi. i’m starting a fund in cooperation with UNC to help improve the survival rate in that region so that those families won't have to needlessly lose loved ones. in this case, more resources translates directly into higher survival rates. Second Sky (@secondskyfest) is going to have a booth (with Mark's doctor there!) to share information and accept donations for this cause — we have a goal to raise $50,000 (or hopefully higher) and i'm going to match everyone's donations at the festival! if you’d like to get involved in supporting this cause, you can find more information here (also the link in my bio): www.robinsonmalawifund.org

A post shared by porter robinson (@porterrobinson) on Jun 5, 2019 at 2:01pm PDT

 

Photo via Rukes.com