Faces of the APA:
Running for Pediatric Cancer

T hirty-year-old, Brooklyn, N.Y., APA member William Liuzza was diagnosed with cancer in September 2001. He underwent three surgeries over nine months to remove the cancer, but the cancer came back and he started chemotherapy treatments. In June 2002, his cancer went into remission and it has remained that way for the past
two years.

Last November, he was visiting a New York art gallery and noticed a marathon going on that day for children’s cancer research. “After I saw those people running for a cure, I was inspired. I knew I could do it, but I needed to build up my strength again,” said Liuzza.

“Last November I set my goal—making the decision to compete in the annual 26.2 mile marathon. It was a big decision, and training for the race so far has been grueling. I know that any challenge I face in completing this personal goal is put into perspective when I consider what children with cancer face everyday,” added Liuzza. “As a cancer survivor, I know how exhausting the effects of treatment can be. I just can’t imagine a child having to go through such an ordeal.”

Liuzza will be running with Fred’s Team to support the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, doctors and researchers are working on clinical trials that have the potential to increase the survival rates in children. In recent years, the overall survival rate of children with cancer has increased from 55% to 70%.

Liuzza has been intently training to fulfill his goal. In July, he was up to running and biking 50 miles per week, and by September he hopes to reach his goal of running and biking 100 miles per week.

“I feel strong enough to face the challenge. Recovery has taken time, but this has helped me put things back into perspective and to do something to help others fight cancer,” said Liuzza.

Liuzza will be making his run November 7. Donations for the marathon are currently being collected. You can visit https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller then click on find a team member (left side of page) then type Liuzza in the last name field to find out more about the marathon, donating, and Fred’s Team.

This article orginally appeared in the FAll 2004 issue of The American Poolplayer Magazine produced by the American Poolplayers Association.