Jersey Stories | Salukis Blackout Cancer

Saluki Athletics, SIH, and the SIH Foundation would like to express our appreciation to the jersey winners for their generosity and support of the Salukis Blackout Cancer event. Your personal commitment has allowed us to help patients in need through the SIH Coach Kill Cancer Fund. Your assistance means so much to those patients seeking medical care for cancer and childhood diseases. The stories of why you support this event are even more special and we would like to share why our donors support this event.

My wife (Beth Hicks) was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in July of 2023. She fought a hard fight but was not able to overcome the Disease and lost her battle on May 18,2024. Her family was her life, and we wanted to commemorate her fight with a jersey in her honor of how hard she fought to see her family every day. We miss her every day. – Robert
2008 SIU Grad. Love the opportunity to give back. Two of my grandparents were cancer survivors. Honoring them with the name on the jersey. -Joseph
Cancer touches nearly everyone's life at some point. I chose to donate in honor of a special soul that has left a lifelong impact on my wife and I. -Jeffrey
Jay Pearce was a lifelong "radio guy." He began his career here in southern Illinois as a newsman for WDDD, WHPI (WJPF), WCIL, and WSIU. He went on to a six-decade career in both commercial and public broadcasting, including serving as the News Director for the Illinois Radio Network, the Board of Directors of National Public Radio, and Executive Director of the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council. Along the way he mentored hundreds of young broadcasters, and was revered for his professionalism, humor, and dignity. Even after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Jay continued to be a storyteller, starting a podcast with his brother Gary, to shed light on his experiences battling the disease. I had the pleasure to work with Jay early in his career, and he remained a lifelong friend and inspiration. He leaves behind a loving family and a multitude of people whose lives are enriched for having known him. -Brian
Want to share the story of the impact of cancer on families and support our friends Mike and Jeanelle and their beautiful family. -Joanne
My wife and I have been looking for an SIUC outlet to donate to and I felt Coach Kill's Cancer Fund that helps Southern Illinois patients was perfect. Mom battled Cancer for 7 years until it took her in 2017. I can't say she was a fan of football but she showed the same resiliency, honesty and determination right up to the last days, much like Coach Kill's approach. This is a great fundraiser to bring awareness to the needs of southern Illinois families that might be struggling financially. -Dave
Cancer has impacted my grandparents, my parents, and both of my siblings. Happy to donate to a good cause. -Matthew
I have bought a jersey for many years in remembrance of my father, Jon Hartley, who passed in 2018 after a battle with cancer. I recently joined the board of the SIU Foundation to hopefully engage more alumni in supporting SIU and southern Illinois. -David
Family history of cancer with survivors and lost ones -Brian
The jersey is for the memory of my birth mother's sister, Missy. She passed from breast cancer before I met mom. I was adopted as an infant and raised by a loving family who have passed. I found my birth mother through a genetics site is September 2020. She now lives here in Southern Illinois. She talks about caring for her sister though 2 rounds of breast cancer, losing her the second time around. My mom is a caring person who always puts others first. What better honor to give mom than a jersey in memory of her sister, from the daughter she thought she would never meet. -Julie
My grandparents both had cancer with successful surgeries. My father had 3 surgeries [...]. I have been receiving treatment for 2yrs thus far containing but not eliminating the tumor. Glad to be able to help others who need assistance. -Kim
Nephew TJ from Benton, Il was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor 6 years ago and given 9 months to live, he has continued fighting like a champ and loves football! -Jason
Our father went to SIUC. My brothers and I try to attend the Homecoming football game every year with our dad. One of our brothers lost his wife to cancer and left behind two sons/nephews. -Ryan
[In memory of my] mother, Lorrettia Fox, [who fought] endometrial cancer in 2001. My sister, Theresa Fox is a thyroid cancer survivor. -Eilena
Cancer has touched the lives of many of my loved ones, acquaintances, and clients. I am dedicated to backing the Blackout Cancer game as I have witnessed firsthand the physical and financial hardships that cancer imposes on individuals and families. The Saluki Blackout Cancer football game is a beacon of unity in our shared battle against cancer. It is an easy decision to support programs like the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, where we can truly make a difference of providing crucial support to local patients and their families by assisting with treatment costs, medications, and other necessities. -Lucas
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in July of 2022. 2 years and 4 surgeries later, with one more surgery due in 2025, I am cancer free, feeling better and living a great life. But none of that would have been possible without the love and support of my family. Each and every one has supported in one way or another through big and small actions. My nephew has been wearing pink in my honor. He has worn a wristband since I was diagnosed, asked to escort me on the field to honor me and now I will wear his jersey number to honor him. Family is everything in your time of need and mine showed up for me. -Kimberly
I am doing this for my brother, sister-in-law, and their 3 children. They will be the ones that I would like the Jersey presented to, not myself. Their names are Lee and Katie Stewart. Katie's mom is S. Schwebel that is represented on the jersey. She passed away in 2016 from cancer. -Troy
In memory of our mother, Kathy Holder, who passed away in 1998 from cancer at the age of 41. -Kathy
My best friend, Teri Wallace, was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma triple hit with less than 6 months to live. She went through extensive chemotherapy and survived. She is now at about the 5-year mark cancer free. Thank God!!! -Kindra
I love Coach Kill and what he did for this school and southern most Illinois. This jersey, my second, is an opportunity to "give back" to coach Kill cancer fund. Cancer has also affected my Dad, Mom, and brother. I've lived their struggles and hope this small gift can help others fighting this horrible disease. Keep up the good work!
Love , Totzell
This jersey is in memory of my father, Jerry Ledbetter, who passed away in 1986 of cancer. He was a Saluki supporter until the end, and a basketball season ticket holder. -Keith
This is a tribute to Barb Mirtich who was the best grandma and mom and gave us her boundless love. She fought hard to have as many years with her grandchildren as possible. We love and miss her so much! -Mirtich Grandkids & Family
This is a tribute to George and Adelaide Sheffer, our loving mom and dad. They taught us family values and a deep belief in the Lord. We love and miss them so much! -Sheffer Family
Chase Evans, number 62 team captain, is my best friend from high school and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when we were both in undergrad. We bid on his jersey this year so we can see him on the field supporting our family. Will be a very touching moment for us all! -Landen
[In memory of my] mother who [had] cancer and proud to honor her at Blackout Cancer game -Hawkins
Dedicated to Lannis Hall, my fiancé. As a radiation oncologist, Lannis has dedicated her life to caring for those with cancer and has been a leader at Siteman Cancer Center in research, clinical trials and outreach to help close the gap in disparities of care. -John
Leukemia hit our college kiddo like a hammer last fall right as the Salukis were closing out another fantastic season. Needless to say, we were knocked down for a bit, but our tailgate group rallied, brought the support, and helped get us back on our feet. The Coach Kill Cancer Fund and support staff were there for us too. In my eyes, this jersey symbolizes the fight and spirit we have within us to overcome the challenges we face every day. I can't wait to see it on him as it will always remind me of what a fighter he is. Saluki Football brought us together and binds us now for the rest of our journey. Our son is cancer free, and we'll be back on the sidelines this fall showing support and cheering on our Dawgs to another great season. -Rich
My Big Brother Billy passed away from Cancer. This is a way to honor him. Billy was a Gentle Giant, 6'4", 350 pounds. He is missed every day. He was the BEST BIG BROTHER!! -Richard
I'm a Cancer survivor, 13 years clean now. We have some of the Best Cancer Care in the country where I live. I donate so those in Southern Illinois will someday have the same. -Michael
We bid for Norma Jean Lansing who [left us because] of cancer much too young.
Our son, student athlete Jimmy Lansing #76, wears the jersey proudly in her honor. -Danielle
My dad, Francis G. Moschino, was a huge Saluki football fan and a survivor of prostate and lung cancer. He was treated at SIH Cancer Center and had wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 97. I wanted to honor dad and give back to SIH Cancer Center. Thank you for all you do!! -Cindy
We donate in honor of our daughter Addi would bravely battled Advanced Stage Cancer and won! Addi’s Dad is a former Saluki football player. -Lindsay
We bid on a jersey to honor Grandma Judy Curry who is a breast cancer survivor. Her courage and dedication to her family inspires us all. -Tracy
My father-in-law, Gary Eddington, has battled lymphoma for several years. Thankfully, he has beaten it despite having open heart surgery in the middle of his treatment. Despite his obstacles, Gary never lost his positive attitude. Our family is so lucky to have him in our lives. -Tyler
My grandmother [passed] from Acute Myeloid leukemia. This jersey is in honor of her and all others who have fought this disease. -Deborah
My husband Jeff's brother, Leonard, passed away from malignant melanoma in 2004 - he was 50 years old. Leonard was a self-employed, ASE master technician and machinist. He owned and operated Carter's Engineering in Murphysboro for 22 years. He was a husband and father of two. His loss was devastating to his family and community. This November will mark 20 years since his passing. -Karen
My late father-in-law Jim and my cousin Lisa both lost their courageous battles with cancer. In 2023, the disease hit even closer to home when my husband and I found ourselves in an oncologist's office to discuss the plan to treat his newly diagnosed Grade 1, Stage 4 neuroendocrine tumor. Although we have always supported causes to "kill" cancer, the urge to support has now taken on a whole new meaning. We support SIH and the Coach Kill Cancer Fund as Salukis come together to Blackout Cancer! -Deb
We continue to support this great cause (this is our 9th or 10th year I believe) to help others who are battling cancer. We have lost too many of our close family members to cancer, including my mother, my father, my Nana and most recently my brother-in-law. Each year we sponsor a jersey, dedicate it to a family member who lost their battle, and hope our support will help others in some small way. We appreciate and support all that Coach Kill & Rebecca, along with the Coach Kill Cancer Fund have done to help so many patients and family members over the years. -Cindy
I was diagnosed with testicular cancer November of 2023. […] I did my treatment in St. Louis Mercy south, but I know SIH is fantastic. I’ve had friends use SIH. I’m a season ticket holder and I’ll continue to donate to this great cause. -William
Chris Lowman, passed away in April of this year. He loved all things sport and his Iowa State Cyclones. When we moved to Carbondale, he went ahead and found out everything about the Salukis and was fully invested in our life here in Southern Illinois. We all miss him! -Jonathan
My dad, Chuck Foster, Sr, lost his fight to prostate cancer just before Thanksgiving in 2005 and, tragically, my son was lost because of an at-home accident while taking care of the yardwork at the home he and his wife, Kristy, had purchased within the past year. The family continues mourning for our loss. I graduated at SIU Carbondale in 2015 - last year, I was honoring my dad on jersey 33, his birth year, and honor Jeremy with number 18 at this year’s game. Certainly, the Blackout Games need our continued support, and what better way, the fans, the team, the school...truly a great effort is appreciated by me and many others...GO GAWGS -Chuck
Cory McCalip’s grandfather “Poppy” died of lung cancer in his sophomore year of high school and his other grandfather “Papa” also had lung cancer, but he is In remission. Cory wanted the Jersey to recognize both of his grandfathers! -Becky
Jon Nalley's mom, Robin, is a breast cancer survivor. -Jeff
My father passed away this past year of pancreatic cancer after a short battle. It was very tough on the whole family. I believe this to be a tremendous cause and therefore wanted to offer my support. -Bill
This jersey is for my mom, Brandi, who is currently battling breast cancer. She raised three kids single-handedly. She is the strongest person I've ever known. We love you mom. -Tyler