Team Purple Passion

Please join White Plains Hospital’s Team Purple Passion on Sunday, June 8, 2025 for the Lustgarten Walk!

Brian’s Story

Brian Ruder was leading a healthy active lifestyle when he became jaundiced in early 2021. At his physician’s recommendation, he immediately went to White Plains Hospital for further evaluation. Three days later, he received a daunting diagnosis of stage two pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, expert treatment was available at White Plains Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care. The state-of-the-art 70,000-square-foot facility brings comprehensive care capabilities all under one roof, including nearly 40 infusion bays, radiation therapy, medical and surgical oncologists’ offices as well as additional support services.

Brian was referred to Dr. Sasan Roayaie, a White Plains Hospital surgeon specializing in liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers. Just six days later, Dr. Roayaie performed a complex surgery known as the Whipple procedure to remove the cancer. Dr. Roayaie worked closely with Dr. Dan Costin, oncologist and Medical Director of the Center for Cancer Care, to devise a chemotherapy treatment plan. Two weeks later, Brian began 12 rounds of chemo over six months under the watchful eyes of his compassionate care team at the Cancer Center.

On July 29, 2021, Brian was pronounced cancer-free and began rebuilding his life, his weight (having lost 60 pounds) and his path forward to help support groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research to support early detection and treatment breakthroughs.

 “I have spent time with the Lustgarten senior leadership team and they are a remarkable group,” says Brian. “100% of funds raised go directly to research. Their head scientist, medical officer and CEO are directing a nationwide transformation of pancreatic cancer research to accelerate the search for a cure.”

White Plains Hospital is proud to join the fight against pancreatic cancer. We offer comprehensive care, from Pancreatic Screening Program to diagnosis through treatment – all in a convenient location close to home for many of our patients. Find out more at wphospital.org/pancreatic.

Come for the walk, provide financial support or spread the word to others you know!