Alexandria Cancer Survivor To Host Returning 24-Hour Stand Up To Cancer Fundraiser

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Nearly 11 years ago, Alexandria resident and Air Force veteran Pat Malone was undergoing seven hours of surgery to remove a malignant tumor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. That February 2014 procedure led by neurosurgeon Dr. Walter Faillace got rid of a hockey puck-sized tumor in Malone's chest. Radiation, rehabilitation and physical therapy followed for several months over the summer. Today, Malone is cancer free and continues to fundraise in support of cancer research.

Malone will host his 11th annual Stand Up To Cancer, an attempt to stand up for 24 consecutive hours as a fundraiser. It will start at 4:26 p.m. on Feb. 10, the time he woke up from his tumor removal surgery, and end at 4:26. p.m. on Feb. 11. The fundraiser benefits Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation to support national and international cancer research. The 24-hour Stand Up To Cancer will be held at Fire Works Pizza in Arlington.

Malone's fundraiser resulted from a desire to help advance cancer research and honor the military and civilian medical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's John P. Murtha Cancer Center as well as the Radiation Oncology Clinic at the Alexander T. Augusta Medical Center on Fort Belvoir. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 40.5 percent of men and women will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lives, based on data from 2017 to 2019.

The cancer survivor has attempted the 24-hour standing fundraiser despite another worsening condition. At Walter Reed, Malone learned he had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, a rare and incurable condition that causes weakness and stiffness in the legs. A former marathon runner, he lives with the worsening condition through professional physical therapy at Walter Reed. He also walks often in Alexandria, Arlington, Leesburg and D.C. although his ability to walk for long periods of time is worsening.

Residents can donate to the fundraiser in person at Fire Works Pizza with cash or checks made out to 'Stand Up To Cancer,' or online on Malone's fundraiser page. All proceeds directly support Stand Up To Cancers research programs to cure all types of cancer.