News
Mohonasen senior recognized by Coaches vs. Cancer
Nov. 10, 2008
Joe
Watroba has a fighting spirit.
The Mohonasen senior, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his sophomore year and is now cancer free, was recently honored by Coaches vs. Cancer with the Fighting Spirit Award. Joe, along with the Mohonasen Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team attended the Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball, held at The Egg in Albany on Nov. 6.
“Joe is an outstanding role model for all of us in the way he approached his illness. He was brave and determined and you would never know he was carrying such a heavy burden,” Joe’s golf coach at Mohonasen High School, Kevin Cummings, wrote for the event’s program.
“He is a role model for adults and students, as he went about living a normal life despite being out of school and unable to participate in everyday activities. I see Joe as a wonderful example of strength, determination and just plain guts. Joe, you are an inspiration to all.”
Joe said he and his teammates had a great time at the Coaches vs. Cancer event, at which the players got to meet the University of Maryland head coach Gary Williams, who is very active with Coaches vs. Cancer, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt and comedian Dom Irrera.
In accepting his award, Joe said he was nervous—but glad he had had some practice speaking in front of a large audience. Last year, Joe spoke in front of a room of his peers at the CVC High School Challenge—a local high school basketball tournament that helped raise money for Coaches vs. Cancer. At that event he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“I just want to show people that they can get through it,” Joe said of his message to people, especially kids like him, who are dealing with cancer.
Joe is a member of National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, Varsity Boys’ Basketball and Varsity Golf at Mohonasen. He also volunteers with several charitable organizations, including the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Coaches vs. Cancer.
Next year, Joe plans to attend Siena College to study business—but he also plans to continue his volunteer efforts.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a national partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Through this program, coaches, their teams and communities are empowered in the fight against cancer. Learn more about this program by visiting the American Cancer Society’s Web site.
