Rick Chaloupka, Father

Rick ChaloupkaFive years ago, my son Kyle started having stomach aches. The doctor suspected lactose intolerance or Crohn’s disease, but as Kyle continued to lose weight and appetite, his doctor ordered a colonoscopy. He was a skinny, 58-pound 10 year old.

It was later that day that we received the devastating news. The colonoscopy revealed enlarged lymph nodes and doctors were certain Kyle had cancer. He underwent surgery at the Advocate Children’s Hospital the next morning to confirm suspicions. Kyle in fact had cancer.

The saying is true – a cancer diagnosis is like being hit by a truck – followed by a state of numbness. Seeing your child undergo all the tests bring out emotions no parent or child should ever have to go through. Kyle and the more than 40,000 children enduring cancer treatments this year alone are incredibly brave. They become pin cushions and take it better than I ever could.

Kyle ChaloupkaToday, I am happy to say that Kyle is an awesome fifteen year old with the typical teenage attitude. I don’t let him know this, but I am happy he has that attitude, because it means he is here…with me. Too many friends have lost their battle with cancer. We need to find a cure, and research is critical to achieving this goal.

CureSearch is dedicated to children’s cancer research only, and I support them by serving on the National CureSearch Walk Committee and co-chairing the Chicago Walk. The Walk is a great experience – it’s like a huge family reunion. Seeing all the people come together to support each other is amazing! This September, I’ll be walking for my son and the thousands of other families who have been touched by cancer. I hope you will walk beside me wherever you may be. Join me.

Until there’s a cure,

Rick Chaloupka
Father of Kyle
CureSearch Event Co-chair, Chicago Walk

Join the fight to end children’s cancer by participating in a CureSearch Walk. Contact us at info@curesearch.org.

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