'Cancer Crossings' Author Tim Wendel in the Spotlight at Roswell Park May 23

Pictured: Tim Wendel

Eric Wendel was three years old in 1966 when he developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At the time, the survival rate was dismal: His parents were told he would probably live no more than a year. But Eric’s doctors at Roswell Park were taking a bold new approach to leukemia treatment, conducting clinical trials that laid the foundation for today’s 90% ALL survival rate.

Author Tim Wendel tells the story of his younger brother in Cancer Crossings, released earlier this year by Cornell University Press. The book recalls life in a close-knit family — sailboat trips across Lake Ontario, lumberman’s breakfasts cooked up by a loving grandfather — and a bruised shin that led to a devastating diagnosis. Wendel also introduces readers to the Roswell Park physicians who would go on to show the world that acute leukemia could be cured.

Wendel will discuss advances in pediatric cancer on Wednesday, May 23, from 11-11:30 a.m. during a Facebook Live event. Kara Kelly, MD, Chair of Roswell Park’s Department of Pediatric Oncology, and Martin Brecher, MD, Chair Emeritus of Pediatrics, will join him. Click here to register and you’ll receive an emailed link to the live stream.

From noon-1 p.m. the same day, Wendel will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase (cash only) outside the Katherine, Anne & Donna Gioia Pediatric Hematology Oncology Center on the first floor of the hospital.

A native of Lockport, Tim Wendel graduated from Syracuse University and is now Writer-in-Residence at Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of 13 books as well as articles published in The New York Times, National Geographic, GQ and Esquire.