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.

• I was employed by Caterpillar for 40 years. They offered free physicals once per year. The blood sample showed an increase in my PSA, and I was told I should see a urologist to find the issues. A biopsy was performed, and 1 area turned up to be cancer. I completed TomoTherapy which killed the tumor. That was 13 years ago. Without those physical exams, a record of my history, and the technology to "cure me" I would not have survived. I'm a STRONG advocate for annual checkups. I donate because I want everyone to have the same or better healthcare facilities I have access to. 

• In honor of JP Barrington who died of cancer in December of 2022.

• Sallie Bruns is a 32-year breast cancer survivor.

• S. Davey is a teacher, plus a football and volleyball official in the greater Tampa area. He is a dedicated family man and has been a positive contributor in all areas of education for over 20 years. A group of officiating and educational colleagues wish to honor him for his strength and continued fight. 

• My dad passed away from Colon cancer, he had 3 surgeries and suffered during the 2 years he fought the disease. I was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago and am taking Chemo treatment at present hoping to avoid surgery which would be very difficult. 

• I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer last February. I had surgery and received treatment 8 months ago. I’m now cancer-free!

• At my husband's last oncology doctor visit before his death, the Dr. asked, "Is there anything you want to do?". " Yes," replied my husband, I want to be able to go to the SIU BB game next week.",...and he did after receiving 2 pints of blood. Husband's next and last visit, Dr. asked, "Did you go to the game?". "Yes, and we WON!"