William Brock was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia almost nine years ago, the same disease that claimed his father seven years earlier.
Brock, a lawyer, knew that his survival was far from guaranteed.
But with the help of some medical intervention and a whole lof of solid determination, Brock managed to survive the killer blood cancer.
He then helped pen a book, Portraits of Hope and visited a local school Monday to tell the kids in person that they should be aware of cancer, but not terrified of it.
“It doesn't have to be the end anymore, there's hope afterwards,” he told students of Lauren Hill Academy.
The students were enthralled by details of his life-and-death battle.
“Hearing somebody that actually survived makes you feel that there's a lot of hope,” said student Laura Mancini.
“It's true, survival is everything, really,” said student Johnny Vouloumanos
In Brock’s case, it was a key medical intervention that was the big game-changer. His bone marrow transplant gave him a fighting chance.
“They call the day of your transplant Day Zero, because it’s the first day of the rest of your life,” he said.
Brock hopes others are inspired to join the bone marrow donor list (click here to find out how) and assist cancer research.
Brock will be honoured by the Israel Cancer Research Fund on April 9th at Place des Arts as a reward for his community work, fundraising efforts and inspirational message.
“Sometimes, out of a sad situation like William's, there's hope and a good message is sent,” said Jeffery Bernstein, Israel Cancer Research Fund.
Brock hopes that his talk will inspire at least one student to try to help cure cancer.
“If we have one of the science students here who is perhaps motivated by this, it would be a great, great success,” said Brock.
