Cancer Patient Throws Fundraiser To Help Fellow Patients

Howie Zwelling helps people. That’s just who he is.

When the 64-year-old husband and father of two isn’t jumping in to spend time with his grandchildren, he volunteers with animal rescue teams in Genesee County and advocates for hundreds of sexual abuse victims.

“Not everyone gets the help they need, so hopefully if I can do what I can, it can make a difference,” Howie said.

That generous spirit was put to the test in 2025 when Howie received a health update he did not expect.

Howie’s unexpected cancer diagnosis

Howie had been seeing a gastrointestinal specialist for a suspected ulcer that was causing him pain. After some testing, the specialist shared unexpected news: Howie had stage 4 stomach cancer.

After additional scans and testing, Howie learned the cancer was incurable and had spread to his bones. He was referred to Greg Connolly, MD, in August 2025, who told him, without treatment, he would have 3-6 months to live.

Howie thought of Diane, his wife of 32 years, their two adult children Kari Szczygiel and Michelle Antonucci, and four grandchildren Hailey Szczygiel, and Allyssa, Sophia, and Mikey Antonucci – all of whom lived close by. With them by his side, he knew he would seek out treatment.

“They make me want to stay alive,” Howie said.

A cancer team that cares like family

Shortly after his diagnosis, Howie began treatments at Lipson Cancer Institute in Batavia that still continue today.

Every other week, Howie undergoes systemic chemotherapy at a clinic in Batavia, also receiving a new FDA-approved monoclonal antibody medication that targets the specific protein in the cancer attacking his body. After finishing treatment, he heads home where he continues chemotherapy infusion at home. Combined with the chemotherapy regimen and targeted radiation therapy for some painful bone lesions, Howie has been able to maintain a good quality of life.

“Although the cancer is not curable, it is well controlled, and he has a good quality of life. He has benefitted from a state-of the art treatment,” Dr. Connolly said.

Howie said his cancer care team is like family to him, in particular pointing to his main nurse Lynda Chojnacki who was with him during most of his treatments.

“If I could nominate her for nurse of the year, I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one who would be doing it,” Howie said.

Raising money for fellow Lipson Cancer patients

During the first months of 2026, Howie would sit in the waiting rooms at Lipson Cancer Institute in Batavia. As he looked around, he realized there were a lot of people who were in a similar position to him – in need of cancer treatment but also in need of financial assistance.

“My wife has helped me a lot over the last 32 years,” Howie said. “Because of her, she has helped me see that you need to think not only of yourself but of everyone around you.”

On June 27, 2026, Howie kicked off his second fundraiser at Moose Harbour in Wyoming benefitting Lipson Cancer patients. Hundreds of people – including Dr. Connolly – showed up to see a comedy show featuring comedians from Buffalo, as well as a basket raffle, 50/50 drawing, and a pig roast dinner.

A friend donated all the food and generously matched all the donations at the end of the event.

The event raised $10,000 for Lipson Cancer Institute patients, which was formally recognized with a check presentation at United Memorial Medical Center.

“I will continue to do it as long as possible,” Howie said.

“On the personal side, he’s a really great guy,” Dr. Connolly said. “Despite having an advanced cancer, he’s remained active with his friends and his community. He’s a very giving man and is very generous with his time.”

Howie’s cancer journey continues

Howie continues to receive treatment for the stomach cancer diagnosis. When he returns to the Lipson Cancer Institute for his recurring treatments every other week, he brings in donuts and makes an effort to buy the staff lunch regularly as a way of showing his appreciation for all they do.

“Because of my daughters and wife and grandkids, I do my best to think positive, be strong and keep moving forward as well as you can,” Howie said. “I want to cry every day, but because of my kids, grandchildren, and my wife, I have a positive energy I want to keep going with. Knowing that everyone knew I was a good person, that’s good for me.”

“Eventually I know I’m going to die, but until the day I die I wanted to bring joy and happiness to people as long as I can.”