Fundraiser for cancer awareness

Did you know that three out of four adults have HPV by the age of 30, and 62 percent of freshman in college? HPV-related tonsil cancer has become an epidemic among men between the ages of 40 – 60.

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. To celebrate survivors and give hope to patients and caregivers, as well as honor those who died, Jason Mendelsohn is making a difference by raising funds and awareness with a Whiskey and Wine Fundraiser and Awareness Event at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando on Sunday, April 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mendelsohn is hosting the event because he is a survivor of HPV-related tonsil cancer. He has served on the executive board of the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance for over seven years, and he co-chairs their ambassador program, which serves survivors, patients and caregivers.

This cause is passionate to Mendelsohn (aka "Superman" because his friends called him Superman during chemo and radiation). Shortly after being diagnosed with HPV related tonsil cancer, he made videos to his children saying goodbye.

"Family means everything to me so after beating cancer in 2014 I vowed to share my story as often as possible to prevent other parents from ever having to make similar videos to their kids," said Mendelsohn.

Through his advocacy work, his story has now been shared in over 100 countries; his family appeared on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, and he was fortunate to speak at a Congressional Briefing to increase HPV vaccination rates to protect future generations of boys and girls from HPV preventable cancers.

There will be heavy hors devours provided by Flemings, distilleries will be providing samples, there will also be wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be music, a silent auction, and oral cancer screenings for those interested.

Learn more about Mendelsohn's story by visiting http://www.SupermanHPV.com.

Mercedes-Benz of Orlando is located at 810 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, Florida.