When Robert Peressotti bought a Rock the Road Raffle ticket on December 24th, he had no idea he was buying the winning ticket.The brand new Porsche 911 Carrera, provided courtesy of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association for Prostate Cancer Canada’s Rock the Road Raffle is one of the most enviable cars any guy could own.
Robert is a prostate cancer survivor and while looking for a used Porsche to purchase for him and his two sons, he came across the Canadian International AutoShow website and noticed the raffle. “It was like it was meant to be,” said Robert, “I had just dreamt about driving a Porsche the night before.”
(Clockwise L-R) Prostate Cancer Canada’s President & CEO, Peter Coleridge along with Tom Fischer, VP, Finance & Regulatory Affairs join to congratulate raffle winner, Robert Peresotti and wife Sharon
Of course what clinched it for Robert was that the proceeds from the raffle directly support Prostate Cancer Canada: “I donate every year anyway, and on top of that the draw was the day before my wife’s birthday.” This year’s raffle alone raised over $500,000.
When an unknown number appeared on his caller-id the day of the draw, Robert didn’t think much of it – he actually thought it was yet another prank call from his brother in law. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” he burst out when he was informed he was the lucky winner.
Robert Peressotti (center) and his family with TADA President - Larry Lantz at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow
For Robert, this win is the light at the end of tunnel after a battle with the disease over a decade ago. Robert has a family history of the disease – his father had been diagnosed at age 76 – and so he has always known he had to be diligent.
In June 2008, he went to the doctor on the advice of a friend. “I tried to put it off,” he admits, because he had not experienced any symptoms but a PSA test indicated elevated levels, so Robert underwent a biopsy which discovered that cancer had entered the margins of the gland. He underwent surgery as well as 36 treatments of radiation before receiving the good news that he was cancer-free.
Today Robert enjoys his home in Port Colborne, with his wife Sharon and his sons Quinn, 23, and Ty, 21. Safe to say, they are all looking forward to the summer to enjoy the new Porsche!
Related Links:
Get more information about the PSA test
Learn more about biopsy