La Verne diver Andrew Tompkins is battling osteosarcoma once again and needs help from the La Verne community.
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces immature bone. It is the most common type of cancer that arises in bones, and it is usually found at the end of long bones, often around the knee. Most people diagnosed with osteosarcoma are under the age of 25. Andrew was 19 the first time he was diagnosed.
Andrew, who earned All-Region honors in 2017, spent 2018 successfully fighting osteosarcoma. After extensive chemotherapy and cancer removal surgery, he was fitted with a new titanium femur implant complete with a bionic titanium knee. In October he was cancer free, he returned to La Verne in February and even joined the Leopards poolside as the La Verne diving assistant coach.
However last week the swim and dive team received the news that additional cancer in Andrew had been found and is now labeled as stage 4 metastatic osteosarcoma. While it is treatable, it is not curable. Clinical trials for this stage of cancer are incredibly costly. So in an effort to help Andrew's family in their search for the best clinical trial to battle this terrible disease, the La Verne swim and dive team is spearheading a fundraising campaign to help defray costs.
We are asking the La Verne community to help Andrew battle cancer again by donating whatever possible to his GoFundMePage. Any amount you are able to spare makes a difference and is appreciated.
The swim and dive squad is also running a bake sale on Monday, May 20 from 10 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. in Johnson Family Plaza to raise funds and awareness for Andrew's situation. In Andrew's last go around the support given to him through social media helped lift his spirits and was a huge asset to his success. Please also support Andrew with your likes, thoughts, and prayers on his Instagram page: Andrews.journey.
Andrew is a special person and as you will learn if you follow him and an inspiration to all. He is a Leopard for life. Please help us support him in his fight.