Former SLIAC Student-Athlete Diagnosed With VHL Disease

Former SLIAC Student-Athlete Diagnosed With VHL Disease

Zac Cronkhite, a 2015 graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University and member of the men's golf team, was recently diagnosed with Von Hippel Lindau Disease (VHL). VHL is known as a "cancer syndrome" disease. It is a hereditary genetic disease that predisposes patients to certain types of tumors in up to 10 different organs including the brain, spinal cord, and eye. 

Zac was a four-year member of the Tiger men's golf team, from 2013-2016, and received the Iowa Wesleyan Male Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award following his senior season. While at Iowa Wesleyan he also served as a resident advisor, student ambassador, and student body president while being named a two-time Academic All-American.

One in 36,000 people in the world has VHL however since there is no primary symptom, the appearance and severity of the condition are highly variable. There is a 40% risk of kidney cancer for families with VHL. 

Last summer Zac was diagnosed with tumors on his spine, brain, eyes, and kidneys and is scheduled for numerous surgeries to remove the tumors. Zac, from Washington, Ill., and his family will be seeing specialists in Michigan to treat his VHL diagnosis. 

Iowa Wesleyan University will be holding fundraising drives for Zac and his family during the month of January at all home basketball games. In addition to any monetary donations, gas cards for the family would be appreciated for their drives to Michigan. 

If you would like to assist in donating money or a gas card please send to:

BJ Wagy
Iowa Wesleyan University
601 N. Main Street
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641

For more information on VHL please go to https://www.vhl.org/patients/what-is-vhl/