Seth Grumet's Story
NewYork-Presbyterian has the best nurses, the best doctors. They are the real experts, and they absolutely saved my life.
Inspired by his personal and medical support system while battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Seth Grumet set out to help improve the every day circumstances of other cancer patients.
“I saw this need of so many patients who either didn’t have the support system or the financial means to obtain the greatest care,” says Seth. “They were worried about their rent, their electric bill, childcare, or putting food on the table. They would miss their chemotherapy, radiation, or doctor’s appointment. I knew that I alone could not cure cancer, but what I could do was to help those in need of a helping hand, making it easier for them to focus on their disease without the additional concerns of providing meals or paying rent.”
With his own cancer battle still being fought, Seth established STOMP the Monster, a fundraising organization that provides financial and other support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most — during their fight with the disease. In just a few short years, STOMP the Monster — as of January 1, 2016 – has assisted over 2,300 cancer patients with over one million dollars in financial grants used for paying utility bills, rent, car payments, childcare costs, and the like. To raise support, the organization hosts an annual gala called “Life is Sweet,” and sponsors a 5K run that has grown from 600 participants in its first year to an expected 5,000 participants this year.
“There are people with cancer not as lucky as me,” says Seth. “Some have no family and have to go through all of their care alone, often with the added burden of worrying about paying rent or caring for children on their own. It’s hard enough to go through this with the biggest support system in the world.”
Seth credits successes in his own cancer battle to his personal support system – notably his parents, George and Barbara Grumet, wife Margie, children Mariah, Maddy, and Stevie, and his sisters, Shara and Andi.
He is also extremely thankful for his team of doctors at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Thoracic surgeon Dr. Nasser K. Altorki, performed a very difficult biopsy necessary for the diagnosis; Dr. John Leonard, an internationally recognized hematology and oncology expert specializing in the treatment of lymphomas, and Dr. Tsiporah B. Shore, Associate Director of the Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, led the development of his treatment plan.
“The nurses on the 10th floor – the transplant floor — are angels,” says Seth. “These men and women must have wings. I didn’t look, but they’ve got to have them. They come into work every day and take care of people with some very rough scenarios. They continue to smile and help you. My hat goes off to them. NewYork-Presbyterian has the best nurses — the best everything.”