Porter Robinson took to his social media platforms on June 5 to announce the launch of the Robinson Malawi Fund—an initiative focused on improving the survival rate of cancer patients in Malawi, East Africa. Started in conjunction with the University of North Carolina, the fund will work towards building resources to treat those inflicted by Burkitt lymphoma, a rare form of fast-growing cancer.

The Worlds producer’s younger brother Mark was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in November 2016 during Robinson’s Shelter Tour. With treatment from UNC’s hospital and combined support from medical staff, Mark has been cancer-free since February 2017.

While the survival rate for Burkitt lymphoma in the United States is 90% or higher, for children in Malawi the rate dips as low as 29% and strikes as the most common form of childhood cancer. Dr. Kate Westmoreland leads the pediatric cancer program that UNC operates in Malawi; with her leadership, the Robinson Malawi Fund aims to raise funds and awareness towards the cause and saves the lives of children around the world.

Second Sky festival will host a booth specifically for the fund where donations can be made. Robinson stated he will match all the proceeds made and hopes to raise $50,000 or more at Second Sky. Learn more about the fund here.

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in november of 2016, my then 17-year-old younger brother Mark was hospitalized with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Burkitt lymphoma. he had a mass in his abdomen that was doubling in size every 24 hours. mark is pretty much my best friend – it was utterly devastating and one of the most difficult things i’ve ever been through (and surely a million times worse for him). through mark’s own fortitude, and through the high quality of care from his doctors (Drs. Westmoreland & Hipps), nurses and staff at @UNCMedicine, i’m extremely happy to say that, as of February 2017 Mark finished his treatment and is now 100% cancer free and thriving. here’s why i’m bringing this up: the survival rate for Burkitt lymphoma in the US is 90% or higher. but for kids in malawi, where it’s much more common due to the connection between malaria and this form of cancer, the survival rate can be as low as about 29%. one of Mark’s doctors, Dr. Westmoreland, leads the pediatric cancer program that UNC operates in Malawi. i’m starting a fund in cooperation with UNC to help improve the survival rate in that region so that those families won’t have to needlessly lose loved ones. in this case, more resources translates directly into higher survival rates. Second Sky (@secondskyfest) is going to have a booth (with Mark’s doctor there!) to share information and accept donations for this cause — we have a goal to raise $50,000 (or hopefully higher) and i’m going to match everyone’s donations at the festival! if you’d like to get involved in supporting this cause, you can find more information here (also the link in my bio): www.robinsonmalawifund.org

A post shared by porter robinson (@porterrobinson) on Jun 5, 2019 at 2:01pm PDT

Tags: Burkitt Lymphoma, fundraiser, Porter Robinson, Robinson Malawi Fund, Second Sky

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