Grateful for the care he received under James Cusack, MD, at the Mass General Cancer Center, Paul Pratt’s generosity has brought vital support to the doctor and his colleagues in their treatment-resistant cancer research.
A resident of Worcester, Mass., Paul Pratt had a full and busy life. Along with his career as an electrician, he enjoyed his two motorcycles and the loving support of his parents, girlfriend, four children and five grandchildren. But life changed quickly. Paul was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of mesothelioma that occurs in the cavity surrounding the stomach and other abdominal organs. It was caused by the many years of his exposure to electric wiring systems containing asbestos.
His lengthy treatment journey brought him to the Mass General Cancer Center. There, he was cared for by surgeon and researcher Dr. Cusack, along with oncologist and researcher Andrew Zhu, MD, PhD. Paul made solid progress throughout his treatment, and wanted to show his appreciation in some way. With the proceeds he received from a court settlement related to his mesothelioma exposure, Paul offered his support to the research of Dr. Cusack and Dr. Zhu. In the Cusack Laboratory, researchers focus on cancer treatment resistance mechanisms, working to develop novel targeted therapies to improve patient survival.
Paul’s continued hope is that others who are facing a cancer diagnosis may one day benefit from improved therapies. He continues to live each day to the fullest, and recently completed a two-month snowboarding adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
