The De Rosa Foundation was founded by Kathy De Rosa following a diagnosis of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, which if left untreated would result in colon cancer. She was successfully treated for this condition and now raises much needed funds and awareness for this deadly disease.
“At only 38 years of age, married with two children, Paul, 8, and Julia, 5, I was diagnosed with hyperplastic polyposis syndrome,” says Mrs. De Rosa. ‘In October 2006, I underwent a colonoscopy shortly after my younger brother Gary, 35, was also screened. Our screening revealed over 100 polyps in each of us. We underwent extensive medical evaluations and were both diagnosed with this life threatening medical condition.” Despite having this syndrome, Mrs. De Rosa and her brother were asymptomatic and in fact, felt great and otherwise healthy. “We were completely unaware of our predisposition to this precancerous condition,” she says. “My uncertainty and fear of this otherwise unfamiliar condition was overwhelming. This fear transformed to hope following my vast search for a qualified colorectal surgeon, which led me to Dr. Jose G. Guillem, a physician with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.” In January 2007, Dr. Guillem successfully performed a total colectomy, removing the colon with the precancerous polyps.
“Without the early diagnosis and treatment Gary and I received, our condition could have become cancerous. We were fortunate! My own personal experience was the underpinning to establishing The De Rosa Foundation for Colon Cancer Research and Prevention. This life transforming event inspired me and I developed the overwhelming need to raise awareness on colon cancer and perhaps help others.”
Many rectal cancer survivors, prominent physicians and supporters will be attending the 2010 Dinner Gala. Tickets are $185.00 and may be purchased by calling (516) 365-6754 or via email at derosak1@optonline.net.
To find out more information about the 2010 Dinner Gala and The De Rosa Foundation, please call Kathy De Rosa at 516-365-6754 or visit the website www.thederosafoundation.org.
