There it is. The iconic Ronnie Bouemboue smile that we all know and love.

Ronnie started 2024 living his best life. He was named the top assistant coach at Northwestern University and planned a move to Chicago with his fiancé, Morgan Salow. The relocation from the suburbs into the city would improve their lives by eliminating a gnarly commute, putting both of them closer to work, and allowing more time to be together.

Throughout the exciting life developments, chronic back pain plagued Ronnie. The back pain became debilitating on February 20, 2024, and he was taken to the emergency room. An x-ray at the end of February and an MRI in early March found a mass growing on his back. On April 23rd, a spinal biopsy was taken and the mass was confirmed to be cancerous two days later. A CT scan was ordered next. The CT scan determines if the cancer had spread to other areas of his body. A biopsy of the lungs taken May 16th confirmed that cancerous nodules had formed.

On May 7, Ronnie was officially diagnosed with a malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor which is one of the rarest forms of sarcoma. The diagnosis was further complicated because the tumor is inoperable due to its proximity to the spine. As a result, Ronnie was then referred to the Northwestern Proton Radiation Center. Proton radiation therapy was the recommended form of treatment owing to its ability to pinpoint its attacks on the tumor in comparison to traditional radiation.

Ronnie began his first round of proton radiation therapy on May 20th to fight the mass on his back. After seven weeks of exhausting treatment, he was celebrated as the 7,000th Northwestern Proton Radiation Center graduate on July 9th while surrounded by friends and family for the occasion.

Only time will tell how much progress the initial round of proton therapy will make. While he awaits the analysis of the treatment, Ronnie will take medication in pill form to try and remedy the cancerous nodules on his lungs. Cancer treatment in all its forms carries a heavy financial burden; for example, a single round of proton radiation therapy can cost $150,000 to $200,000. While insurance will help, Ronnie will incur significant out-of-pocket costs on his medical journey.

It is certain Ronnie will continue to battle his cancer with relentless determination and optimism to WIN. You can help Ronnie in this fight by supporting him financially. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to assist Ronnie on his medical journey.

You can elect to make your gift to Ronnie go further by adding 3% to cover processing fees. When you choose to pay this processing fee, you are choosing to make a bigger impact on Ronnie’s medical journey.