David's Story
We are hosting a fund-raising event in memory of David Norman April to fight back at the cancer that tragically took his life at age 58. It is David's story of bravery and perseverance that brings Legacy of Hope's mission so close to our hearts.
David's personal life was built around his wife Carmen and children Jacobo and Julia. He met Carmen in Spain, when he was invited by the University of Granada to share the findings of a scientific research study that gave life to the Fishtown Beer Runners. They married in 2014, and moved to Philadelphia, PA. Less than a year later, David experienced acute abdominal pain resulting in a visit to Jefferson Hospital’s Emergency Room. He was suddenly diagnosed with a kidney cancer that had been developing in the previous years. The unexpected discovery of David’s cancer shouldn't happen to more people or families; today we fight to ensure that more preventive scans are in place, research is proactively supported, and lives are saved!
David’s kidney cancer was found operable and his right kidney was then removed. Unfortunately, the cancer came back in 2016, as metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the lungs, and later in his pancreas. David faced a courageous fight aided by a combination of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and various clinical trials. This rigorous course of treatment supported by medical research and extraordinary care gifted his family precious years with David.
Among his beloved Beer Runners, David ran “responsibly in the interest of science,” and in the same spirit led fundraisers to support Legacy of Hope’s mission. As a part of their Emergency Patient Support Network, David’s contribution went beyond the science, and inside the homes of neighbors and community members, to ensure that the basic necessities of Philadelphia’s oncology patients were met. Through this fund in David’s name, we wish to continue the work of many community volunteers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers, so that we won’t have to lose our loved ones to cancer anymore.
David passed away in Spain, on December 10th, 2023 accompanied by his wife, kids, and other family. In his 9-year long fight, he was able to meet every Thursday evening with Beer Runner friends, and officiate many of their weddings; share his love for music, DJ-ing on Gospel Sundays and Radio Delaware Valley Tuesdays; go on antique-shopping dates in Lancaster with his wife, and on scuba diving vacations in Mexico; he was able to see his son graduate from his same alma mater, the University of Virginia, and visit his daughter during her year abroad in Italy. David Norman April lived a fulfilling life with his loved ones, during every chapter of his journey, thanks to the medical research that you can help support today. Please, join us in supporting oncology patients with the quality of life they all deserve.
