Tony Laudadio's Story
Tony's BIO:
Tony was performing Sales with Henry Schein Medical when he was forced out of work by a 2nd cancer diagnosis in 2 years (Kidney cancer and Brain cancer). He previously worked in the solid waste and recycling industry as a Major Account Exec, as well as being a Sales Manager for ReBath of Austin. He graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX with a degree in Communications & Broadcast Journalism. Tony is passionate about giving back to others that need help during their cancer battles.
Tony was born in Houston, TX and grew up mostly in Tampa, FL enjoying the beaches where he also became a very competitive golfer. He graduated East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, FL and went on to accept a spot on the golf team at St. Edward's University and Golf has always been a passion for him. Now through various fundraisers, it has been incorporated into Tony Foundation in a big way. Tony puts on tournaments in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.
Tony also loves traveling, playing billiards, and being outdoors, especially walking the beautiful Town Lake in Austin.
And best of all he is a loving father to his kids and wife.
Tony's Story:
My name is Tony Laudadio and I am a cancer warrior. I was first diagnosed in my 20's, July of 2013, with Stage 3 renal cell carcinoma and a very large tumor. It caused me to lose my right kidney and forced me out of work for several months. I thought I was well on my way to recovery and potentially ringing the bell (sort of a fun cancer free ritual they do at MD Anderson) when I unexpectedly had my first two seizures. On September 24, 2015, I was diagnosed with a second, completely unrelated cancer — brain cancer.
After my docs determined I had Oligodendroglia Grade 3 Brain cancer, I underwent a successful “awake craniotomy,” which is a very specialized and rare surgery. It was about 8-10 hours long and I was awake for most of it. For the next 18 months I endured a combination of of brain radiation, physical therapy, and chemotherapy. Currently, my cancer is stable. But the fight I am facing is far from over and it will most likely be one that I battle for a long time.
I feel like I have a great attitude and I think that is an absolute must with cancer. I have been told that I am inspiring and brave, but honestly I am just trying to be like my role models were to me growing up. My grandpa also had 3 daughters, multiple cancers among other health problems, and yet he showed me how to get through adversity trying to make others feel better with a smile and remembering to laugh today because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Below- Tony & kids at his happy place on the Beach in Lake Tahoe after he completed 18 months of treatment.
Finally, I have always loved competition. I treat this experience like an adverse competitive situation, which is never something I have shied away from in the past. Anybody that knows me, knows that I live for those kind of moments. At times, cancer does test my resolve and patience, but I now use such a tough life issue to show my friends and family how to stare down adversity and keep looking forward to better times and thriving with my life.
(Pictured below from L-R: Tony's brother Cary, cousin Steve Moore, Tony, and best friend Brandon Pohn)
Thanks for reading my story. I hope that it might inspire you, or someone else you may be close with so please share it with others. I also encourage others to reach out for help if you need it.
Sincerely,
Tony Laudadio
“Worry is a terrible waste of the imagination.”
