For Bryan Lubitz Sr., cancer is not just a cause. It is deeply personal.
In 1995, at just 15 years old, Bryan’s life changed forever when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. At an age when most teenagers are focused on school and sports, Bryan was named her Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. While he was too young to fully grasp what that responsibility meant at the time, life quickly taught him.
Cancer would continue to impact his family for decades. Bryan has lost his grandmother, aunts, uncles, and two cousins to the disease. In support and solidarity, he wore pink ribbons and encouraged the young athletes he coached to wear pink socks and cleats during sports seasons. These were small but meaningful gestures in the fight against cancer.
Then, in 2016, Bryan’s journey became even more personal. What was expected to be a routine 20-minute procedure to remove what doctors thought was a cyst in his chest turned into a four-hour surgery. It was the first of six surgeries between 2016 and 2022. In 2022, Bryan spent nine months undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Many of those appointments were solitary, but one moment would forever change his perspective.
While waiting for surgery, he heard a child nearby crying out, “It hurts, please stop, I want my mommy.” In that instant, the weight of the disease fully hit him, especially the devastating impact it has on children whose lives are only just beginning. That moment solidified his mission to raise awareness and as much funding as possible to fight for children battling cancer. When Blood Cancer United announced its Dare to Dream Initiative in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering, Bryan knew he had to get involved.
In 2023, Bryan joined LeTip of Ronkonkoma, marking a pivotal moment in both his professional and personal life. Drawn to LeTip’s reputation as a premier networking organization, Bryan quickly discovered something even more meaningful, a family. From his very first meeting, he was welcomed by members genuinely invested in his success. The diversity of professionals, the shared knowledge, and the spirit of collaboration helped expand his network and open doors he never imagined possible. But more importantly, Bryan found community. “The members of LeTip quickly became more than just business associates. They became my extended family,” he shares. “We celebrate each other’s successes and support one another during challenging times.” That spirit of support has been especially meaningful during his latest mission.
Bryan is currently a candidate for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionary of the Year, dedicating his campaign to raising funds for children battling cancer. His goal is simple but powerful, to make a tangible difference in the lives of young warriors and their families. He credits his LeTip family for standing beside him every step of the way through donations, sharing his mission, and offering unwavering encouragement. “Together, we are not only thriving as professionals but also making a significant impact in our community,” Bryan says.
His journey from a 15-year-old caregiver, to a cancer survivor, to a business professional and advocate is a testament to resilience, heart, and purpose. In Bryan’s own words:
“LeTip is not just a networking organization; it is a community where connections are forged, families are formed, and lives are changed. Thank you for being a part of my story and for helping to write the next chapter.”
For members who would like to support Bryan’s Visionary of the Year campaign and help children battling blood cancer, please see the links below:
Blood Cancer United Bryan Lubitz Visionary Page:
https://pages.lls.org/voy/li/li26/blubitz
Gala Program Sponsorship:
https://fnd.us/82gIvd?ref=sh_aEkyve
Gala Tickets:
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/2-events-1744844160/2026-blood-cancer-united-blackstone-s-dinner
