Bite Back Against Cancer Five Star Sensation

UH Bite Back Against Cancer

Cancer has unfortunately impacted each and every one of us in some way. This past year, it really punched us in the gut. My Mom was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. What? You've never heard of it? Neither did we. Bile duct cancer is extremely rare - affecting less than 20,000 people each year. It's a very aggressive cancer with survival rates similar to the more common pancreatic cancer. 16% in five years.

My Mom's Battle With Cancer

My Mom thankfully qualified for Whipple surgery. Her team at UH Seidman Cancer Center was amazing, both incredibly talented and extremely kind and caring.

This extensive surgery removed not only the cancerous bile duct, but also more than a third of her stomach, the gallbladder, and part of the pancreas and intestines. Seventeen lymph nodes were also removed - one contained cancerous cells. Her surgery was an astonishing success, but now we have to wait to see if it and the chemo works to make her cancer free.

We were extremely lucky because UH allowed one visitor in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was thankfully able to be with her throughout her surgery and visit her in rehab. Throughout the pandemic we were very careful and generally only went out for essentials or to outdoor spaces. But after her cancer diagnosis we were extra vigilant. Because of her impaired immune system, we didn't dine inside restaurants, but we still tried to support them as much as possible through ordering take out.

Impact of the Pandemic On the Restaurant Industry

As you know, our restaurants were affected by COVID more than most other businesses. You can't eat and drink with a mask on, so many people like us didn't feel safe dining indoors. This broke my heart because not only am I an advocate for local restaurants and businesses, but many of the owners, chefs, servers and bartenders are friends. So when UH reached out and asked if I wanted to help them promote a fundraiser that would benefit cancer treatment and the Cleveland restaurant scene, I jumped at the chance.

Bite Back Against Cancer, UH Seidman, Cleveland fundraiser, COVID relief, restaurants

Bite Back Fundraiser for UH Seidman Cancer Center

The UH Seidman Cancer Center is raising money to continue their mission to help those with cancer and is supporting our favorite local restaurants at the same time. The Bite Back Against Cancer fundraiser is a delicious way for you to help both.

How Bite Back Works

Select an amount of $500, $250 or $100. Half of your contribution is a 100% tax-deductible donation for UH Seidman. The remainder will be a added to a gift card that you can use at one of the participating Five Star restaurants. Simply choose a restaurant from the list and the gift card will be mailed to you in about a week. Sounds great, right?