Tiffany Cohen Lalonde’s Son Daniel Diagnosed With Cancer: Fighting Fund Launched

by CRAIG LORD - SWIMMING WORLD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
22 February 2020, 11:47am

Tiffany Cohen Lalonde, the 1984 Olympic 400 and 800m freestyle champion, has launched a gofundme campaign in support of her son Daniel, who was diagnosed this month with a rare form of cancer called Acinic Cell Carcinoma and located in his Parotid Gland.

The swimming community and others have already started to respond with acts of kindness, the donations now close to 30% of target.

• If any Swimming World readers would like to contribute to Daniel’s fighting fund, here’s his page at gofundme.

Since launching the plea, Cohen, who was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1996, updated Daniel’s gofundme page with the following message:

“It is with gratitude I share this exciting news. We are just $25 shy of achieving 30% to our fundraising goal. The heartfelt support and generous donations that have come in so for Daniel strengthens our resolve. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts.

Daniel is meeting with his PCP for clearance and the plastic surgeon to discuss plans for reconstruction this week.

We will continue to keep you posted.

Warmest Regards from the Cohen Adams Lalonde family.

Cohen’s original note last week explained:

Tiffany Cohen – Photo Courtesy: ISHOF

“My beloved son Daniel, who is just 21 years, old received frightening news this past week that he has a rare form of cancer located in his Parotid Gland called Acinic Cell Carcinoma.

“Daniel just started a new job at Lowe’s and is planning to go to college in the Fall. He is a loving son, a brother to Chloe and Alexa, and a dear friend to others. He is very smart and has an amazing heart. Daniel has his entire life ahead of him. He is a fighter and is determined to kick cancer’s butt!

“Daniel will need to attend several doctors’ appointments and undergo surgery to remove his entire Parotid Gland. He will also need plastic surgery to repair the hole in his head and neck left from the excision. Depending on the results of the scans and post-surgical tissue sampling, there is a strong possibility that Daniel will have to undergo radiation therapy as well.

“We are currently without personal transportation and rely on public transportation to get around. Without other family in the immediate area, I will have to take time off from work so I can support Daniel as he goes through this battle. It is unlikely that Daniel’s health insurance will be able to cover the majority of the upcoming costs for his medical treatment. Your donations will be used to help us with costs for transportation, medical bills, and any unforeseen expenses that may arise.

“If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please share this page with your friends and families. We are also looking for anyone in the immediate area to watch over our little 13-year-old poodle, Peaches, during any upcoming overnight stays at the hospital. Rides are always appreciated as well. We can’t thank you enough and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to donate, share, and support us during this time. We will keep everyone updated on how Daniel is doing in the upcoming weeks.

• Daniel’s donation page can be found here