11-Year-Old Loudoun County Cancer Survivor Inspires Fundraising To Fight Leukemia

STERLING, VA — Sterling resident Drew Snapkoski was only 5 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia and began his valiant fight with 967 days of treatment. Now 11, Drew continues to inspire his family to continue the fight for a leukemia cure.

The Drew Strikes Back fundraising initiative will hold a second annual benefit concert to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which works on leukemia research, patient support services and advocacy. The benefit concert with Sub-Radio and DC101’s Mike Jones hosting will take place at the Howard Theatre at 8 p.m. on May 18.

The cause is personal, not only because of Drew's years-long battle but also the health effects he continues to face today.

"He is now 11 and while we are incredibly grateful he continues to face many harsh side effects as a result of his treatment," his mother Stephanie Snapkoski told Patch. "Ninety percent of children that receive his treatment protocol will face 17 Chronic conditions that range in severity."

Since his cancer battle, Drew has become an advocate on the subject of childhood cancer, volunteering and speaking at events and rallying people to fight for the cause.

Drew and his family hosted a benefit concert for the first time last year with Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, raising over $40,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Howard Theatre in D.C. is providing 100 percent of proceeds from the May 18 concert directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The band, Sub-Radio, is from Drew's hometown of Sterling and grew a following by providing virtual concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm thrilled to team up with Sub-Radio and The Howard Theatre to help other kids like me," said Drew Snapkoski in a statement. "I had to fight this disease for 967 days and no one should have to fight that long or that hard. Together, we can show them that they're not alone in this fight, and make a difference."

The band added in a statement, "Drew's story is truly inspiring, and we are humbled to contribute our music to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected."

The Snapkoski family has raised over $500,000 to date for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That includes Drew’s sister Kiersten becoming a Northern Viriginia’s Student of the Year to raise $135,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That effort inspired his mother, Stephanie, to raise $320,000 and win the Visionary of the Year Campaign in 2023.

By supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the family wants to ensure other families have support and pave the way for a cancer-free future.

"LLS supported our family and ensured we had access to all the latest treatment advances allowing us to advocate for our son to ensure he received the best possible outcome," said Stephanie Snapkoski. "Our family has rallied behind their mission to find a cure for this disease."

The Snapkoski family invites supporters to attend the benefit concert or donate to Sub Radio's Visionary of the Year fundraiser.