Jersey Stories

Saluki Athletics, SIH, and the SIH Foundation would like to express our appreciation to the jersey winners for your 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.

• It is a worthy cause and the proceeds remain here in Southern Illinois. I also wanted to honor my scholarship recipient. - Amber.

• My father, Larry Massie, was diagnosed with sinonasal carcinoma in 1997. After intense chemo and radiation, his cancer disappeared and stayed away. Years later, as a result of the radiation treatment to his sinuses, he developed cancer on the roof of his mouth. His cancer was found by me at a dental exam. That cancer was removed and didn't return. Although he had complications from the treatment, he was able to live a full life and passed away 6 years ago, over 20 years after his initial diagnosis, thanks to the advances in cancer treatment. -Dan

• We have been affected directly by cancer. We lost our father, Donnie Campbell, our aunt, Shirley, and I lost my father-in-law, Joel Cohen to various types of cancer. My brother-in-law, Mitch Cohen, is a leukemia survivor. I work at the SIH Cancer Institute and have treated cancer patients since 1989. I have a passion for helping those affected by cancer and a passion for Saluki athletics, so this is the perfect opportunity to combine the two. We are so thankful that SIU has such a strong focus on helping the community and those dealing with this terrible diagnosis. -Lori

• In honor of my dad, Dean Johnson, the best drum-playing, incredible father, and now a cancer survivor. A huge shout out to the SIH Cancer Institute for your unwavering support and to all the wonderful, caring staff. You have all been amazing! - Paula