A Lesson of Hope: Teacher and Thriver Robert Anzalone
At East Syracuse Minoa (ESM) High School in East Syracuse, New York, Robert Anzalone’s students sign up for far more than a traditional business class. For more than 15 years, Robert, a cancer thriver himself, has taught a curriculum rich with real-world experiences and lessons. One special example: each year, he weaves Jim Valvano’s iconic ESPYS speech into his lesson plans and shows students how setting a clear goal and building the right team can create a lifesaving impact.
Robert’s journey with cancer began long before his own diagnosis. At age 15, he experienced the loss of his mother to the disease, and this tragedy was followed shortly after by the loss of his father to suicide. He recalls both events as very difficult, but also formative, shaping his perspective on life and preparing him for the challenges he would face down the road.
“Forty-two years of my life have been affected by cancer both positively and negatively. Watching my mom go through her battle with cancer and being with her when she passed was an inspiration to me when I had my battles with cancer. She was my inspiration to stay positive and to beat cancer. I have experienced first-hand the impact of cancer research,” said Robert.
In 2008, a persistent pain in Robert’s left arm led doctors to a diagnosis of plasmacytoma, a cancerous tumor composed of plasma cells. Over the next two years, Robert was diagnosed and treated three separate times, undergoing radiation therapy for each affected area. Because he had more than one plasmacytoma, his disease was classified as multiple solitary plasmacytoma (MSP), a rare condition where plasmacytomas occur in more than one location, either in bone or soft tissue. While solitary plasmacytomas are typically treated with radiation, the management of MSP is more complex due to its rarity and lack of clear treatment guidelines.
Due to this rarity, his oncologist Dr. John Gullo from Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY referred him to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He met with specialist Dr. Schlossman, where the oncology team created a personalized treatment plan that included a unique combination of drugs typically used for patients with multiple myeloma.
“Since I first started taking this medication [in 2009], I’ve been cancer-free. I honestly feel these doctors and the experimental drug combination they came up with saved my life,” said Robert. “They had the funding and the resources to figure out how to put that combination together. You can’t do that without money, without people backing you, and without research.”
Paying It Forward
After his own experiences, Robert knew he wanted to make a difference for others, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research felt like a perfect fit. The V Foundation commits 100% of direct donations to cutting-edge scientists, a key part of Robert’s support for innovative research. In total, the foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in cancer research grants, providing hope for patients and families just like his.
“The V Foundation doesn’t just save the patients. It can save other people’s lives and their quality of life. There are family members, spouses, children. It was very powerful when I thought that what I’m doing is not only honoring my mom, but also my dad and what cancer did to him [as a caregiver].”
For 15+ years, Robert has taught a Jim Valvano-centered curriculum during “V Week” and March Madness, showing students the iconic ESPYS speech and how it sparked decades of lifesaving research. He covers Jim’s character, coaching, the V Foundation ‘s mission, and the team Jim personally selected, including ESPN, Dick Vitale, and Coach K to carry out his vision.
“That speech has always been meaningful to me. I remember the first time I watched it. It made me think of my mom. My mom was a lot like him, always putting others first and a fighter,” said Robert.
“One of my favorite lines that Jimmy V ever said: ‘My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.’ I use that with my sons all the time, and I use it with my students, too. Sometimes when you show a person you believe in them, you wouldn’t believe the difference it can make in their life.”
Community in Action: The “Costello Classic”
Alongside a committed group of students in his DECA Class, Robert developed an idea that would unite the community and raise critical funds for trailblazing cancer research. After watching a segment on ESM High School alum Larry Costello’s induction into the Hall of Fame on The ESM News morning show, he met with Austin and Aiden Betts and they developed the idea of hosting this event.
The event honors Costello, a Hall of Fame NBA player and coach who died of cancer. The “Costello Classic” has grown into an annual basketball showcase that celebrates Costello’s connection to the local community, with all proceeds benefiting game-changing cancer research at the V Foundation.
The students lead the event planning, from securing sponsorships to marketing and design. “As students, we get firsthand experience in the business field,” said Emma Wilson-Hefti, President of ESM High School’s DECA chapter. “DECA [a nationwide business club] is preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, and we are very focused on community service. The game is really special to us because it brings us all together. We feature students, alumni, local businesses, local community, and more.” Robert notes it is truly a special community event in the ESM district.
Since its start in 2022, the event has raised over $19,000 for the V Foundation. Robert’s goal before he retires in a few years is to reach $30,000 and continue to share the lessons of Jim Valvano with the next generation.
“I try to bring real life into my classroom. Life will not always be easy, and true character is revealed during difficult times. This is when Jimmy V shined – he put others first and he showed how you can take a negative and turn it into a positive.”
Each year, as Robert’s DECA team begins planning this event, the first thing he shares is a quote from Valvano: “We need your help. I need your help. We need money for research. It may not save my life, it may save my children’s lives. It may save someone you love.”
“That is my why. That is my motivation. That is what inspires me,” said Robert. “I want to thank the V Foundation for their incredible work and unwavering commitment. I also want to thank our local businesses for their continued financial support, and all of the DECA students who have participated in this project over the years—you are truly making a difference.”
