The Full Story
About
This golf fundraiser honors the life and legacy of Lawrence, who bravely battled paraganglioma for nine years.
Our Story
In 2017, Lawrence was diagnosed with paraganglioma, a rare and complex cancer. From the very beginning, he faced an uphill battle: multiple surgeries, treatments, and countless challenges that would have tested anyone’s resolve. But through it all, he never gave up. His courage wasn’t just about enduring the physical hardships—it was a reflection of how he lived his life. He believed that our true strength comes from within, and he carried that belief with him every step of the way. Even in the hardest moments, he showed us what it means to persevere, to fight, and to never lose hope.
To those who knew him, Lawrence was so much more than a patient—he was a devoted father, a source of strength, and an inspiration. This fundraiser isn’t just about remembering him, it’s about supporting research, spreading awareness, and bringing attention to a rare cancer that too often goes overlooked. Together, we can help create hope and change for families facing paraganglioma.
Paraganglioma
Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that develop from cells of the paraganglia, a collection of nerve tissue found throughout the body. These tumors can occur anywhere from the head and neck to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
In Lawrence's case, they developed due to a genetic mutation in the SDHB gene. Mutations in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) gene family are one of the most common inherited causes of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (tumors of the adrenal gland). These conditions are part of what are known as SDH syndromes—hereditary conditions that increase the risk of developing these rare tumors.
Other inherited conditions that can be linked to paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas include: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes and Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma (FIPA).
Because these tumors are so rare, awareness and research are limited compared to more common cancers. That’s why raising funds and shining a light on paraganglioma is so important—we need better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately, a cure.
