Cancer changed 29-year-old Andrew Bouquard's life. Nine years ago, he was living at home and working at a pizza shop, when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.  The prognosis was not good.

"It was out of the blue. How could this happen? I never once thought about cancer," Andrew recalls. It all began when "not feeling well" he went to the emergency room.

Not feeling well was an understatement. He had a collapsed lung and his heart was being pushed to the side by the massive tumor in his chest. Surgery at a Western New York hospital removed part of the tumor and he was referred to Roswell Park for follow-up treatment.  Physicians recommended a bone marrow transplant (BMT) and Andrew chose to be part of a clinical study.

"Participating in a clinical trial helped to save my life, and my participation could help save lives of other cancer patients in the future," Andrew says. "In this study, I received the most advanced treatment available." Now, he works to help other cancer patients become survivors. He returned to school, earned his bachelor's degree in health care and currently is working on an advanced degree in the field. Recently married, he is now employed as a clinical research associate at Roswell Park. His work focuses on processing and managing clinical trials.

"Nine years ago, as a participant in a BMT clinical study, I experienced the quality of care and compassion that provided proven medical advancement that benefits BMT patients today," Andrew explained.  "Now, as a clinical research associate, I experience the other side of that quality of care and compassion provided by the entire clinical research services staff."

Andrew says today he is much healthier physically and emotionally. His goal is to help others by supporting Roswell Park through such events as the annual Ride for Roswell, offering his emotional support to cancer patients through support groups, and by making it his career to help in the fight against cancer. "Before cancer, I took everything for granted," he admitted.  "I was a typical young person with no focus or goals. Cancer changed my life. I have a much greater appreciation for life and all that it has to offer."

Andrew's message of hope for the holidays: "If you have the chance to join a clinical study, give it serious consideration. I am here today because someone before me participated in a study. I hope my contribution will help someone in the future.  Know that even though you are fighting a difficult disease, you can make a difference."