According to a story from Morningstar, Richard Rendina and his family are no strangers to the challenges and tragedy that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Bruce Redina, for example was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005, and he was dead in just 17 months. Bruce was the head of an esteemed real estate business, and his sons, including Richard, stepped in to take over.
However, it wouldn’t be long before cancer would threaten the Rendina family again. Richard was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in February of 2011.
About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that, in some cases, can grow rapidly. This cancer affects a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. As non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include any type of lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s lymphoma, they probably have diverse array of causes. Risk factors for the development of these cancers include infections by certain viruses and bacteria, exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, prior autoimmune diseases, prior radiation or chemotherapy, and some genetic conditions. Symptoms may include itching, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Treatment often includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and, less commonly, immunotherapy. The five year survival rate for these cancers is around 71 percent in the US. To learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma, click here.
Helping Other Patients
Thankfully, Richard underwent three cycles of chemotherapy and six cycles of even more intensive R-CHOP therapy and got cured. In response to their difficult experiences with cancer, Richard, along with brother David and Michael, have started running the Rendina Family Foundation, which was initially started by Bruce. The organization is committed to providing assistance to people who have been impacted by cancer of any form, and it has also helped raise money for cancer research.
Raise The B.A.R.
The Rendina Family Foundation has managed to raise $5.75 million in funding since it began operations. One of its most successful fundraising events is the Raise the B.A.R. golf tournament which is held annually. The initials B.A.R. are in tribute to Bruce (Bruce A. Redina).
To learn more about the activities of the Rendina Family Foundation, click here.
