David Sartor understands the definition of perseverance.

In 1992, David was born prematurely at Etobicoke General Hospital and required life-saving treatments before being transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Thanks to the exceptional treatment David received at both facilities, he survived, though he was left with profound hearing loss.

“Through the ongoing support of the medical community, I succeeded in life despite my hearing disability,” said David. “I graduated from the University of Toronto with an Engineering degree, and then earned my Masters in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of Waterloo.”

When David turned 25, he was inspired to give back by doing a 25 km run to raise funds for charity. With the support of his friends and family, David raised over $7,000. He vowed to repeat the run on his 30^th birthday, but little did he know what the future held for him.

“In March 2021, I visited my family doctor with pains I was experiencing in my left knee. The doctor and I assumed it was a strain from a sports injury I received playing golf.”

“It turned out to be cancer.”

David was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but today, nine months after that fateful day, David is cancer-free. He credits his recovery to the support of his family doctor, the staff at Etobicoke General Hospital and the Oncology department at Brampton Civic Hospital.

Now, with his 30^th birthday upcoming, David has his sights set on achieving his goal of running to fundraise for William Osler Health System; to give back to the hospitals that helped him along his cancer journey.

“By donating, you are helping to put vital equipment and technology into the hands of Osler physicians, helping your family, friends and neighbours,” said David. “This is just a small way I can express gratitude to those doctors, staff and volunteers who provided healing and comfort to me during my journey.”

In July, David will run a 30–km round trip from Etobicoke General to Brampton Civic to raise funds as part of Osler Foundation’s Celebrate Summer Challenge.