PJ Duke Fundraiser is for Vince, who is battling Leukemia

Hello, my name is PJ Duke, I live in Minisink Valley, NY and I have been blessed through wrestling to have a platform that allows me to be able to help young wrestlers currently in need. This is my 5th year getting the opportunity to meet and help these young warriors and their families. This year I would like to introduce you to Vince. Vince is 14 years old. He started wrestling at 4 years old. He won his first state title while in Michigan as an 8 year old.

Vince was initially diagnosed w Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic) on January 1, 2021. Two weeks prior went 4-0 in a tournament while wrestling with full blown leukemia. Took about 3 years off due to treatment and returned to wrestling last year as an 8th grader. His body had changed from all of the treatment, he lost a lot of athleticism due to the neuropathy that was caused by his treatments. Despite these adversities Vince never complained and took some beatings and loved it.

He was much stronger and determined this year as a freshmen. Was vying for a spot on Apex Freindship HS's varsity squad and competing for the 165lb spot until he relapsed on 11/8. Vince unfortunately was diagnosed with the same Leukemia that he had before. He is scheduled to be in the hospital (UNC Chikdren's) for the next 28 days, so far he's 19 days in. At the end of 28 days they will retest his marrow to see if there's any remaining leukemia cells. If there are no cancerous cells present he will have about two years of additional chemo. If there are remaining cancer cells then he will most likely need a bone marrow transplant.

If we get the outcome that we want, he will be cancer free in two years. That obviously means that his wrestling career is over and, if he's lucky, he will have endured about 5 years of chemo treatment. Through it all, he never complains. Maintains a sense of humor and plays a critical role in helping others through the InVINCEable Foundation.

All donations will go directly to the InVINCEable Foundation. The InVINCEable Foundation helps support families in need. The receiving family will receive between $4000-$6000. The funds will be broken down into two categories: The Present and The Future. The present means that The InVINCEable Foundation will pay for a current and on-going bill (think mortgage or car payment). The future means that The InVINCEable Foundation will invest in the child's future by donating $2,000 into a college savings account in the child's name. If the child does not have a college saving account, The InVINCEable Foundation will help create one and will place the first investment into his/her account.

PLEASE PAY IT FORWARD!!