#BootStompCancer Day 31...#ProjectGameday, #ProjectSuccess

OK, so quick update. I got admitted back into the hospital earlier this evening to begin round two of my chemotherapy treatment. I'm feeling really strong and am more mentally prepared for this trip than I was the first, considering I know how my body will react to the drugs. Now, I won't be in the hospital for as long as I was (I'm hoping to get out on Monday), but the delay in getting me a bed may extend a day or two. Either way, I'm ready for round two and prepared to keep fighting this thing.

Now, I wanted to take time to talk about what happened this past Friday night. I wanted to dedicate an entire post to the incredible event that took place and thank everyone who was a part of it. When Pat Collelouri of HEADstrong first contacted me, I was floored. Of course I wanted to reach out to them and ask how I could use my position and job in a mutually beneficial way. Pat was already one step ahead, as I have learned he almost always his. My idea was to hold a HEADstrong benefit with my first Manhattan broadcast back, on February 6th. Pat thought bigger and better. February 13th, against Iona, on ESPNU. So, we did our due diligence, and were rewarded with both teams donning the patented lime green HEADstrong shoelaces on national TV! Not only that, but we got both coaches to wear special lapel pins and both Sports Information Directors to wear HEADstrong ties!

HEADstrong on ESPNU!

If I'm going to effectively thank all of the people who were involved in this, that list has to start with Pat. During my first stay in the hospital, I looked forward to his phone calls and texts. His energy is infectious and his ideas only breed better ones. Pat has lived this from as close as you can, as the brother of a cancer fighter. Unfortunately, Pat lost his brother but has continued his fight, as has the rest of the Collelouri family. Throughout my first treatment, Pat would send me texts of encouragement and even pictures of Nick from his time in the hospital. Those helped me the most through my initial chemo infusions and I look forward to our continued friendship and partnership.

To Pat's parents, Pat, Sr. and Cheryl, thank you for continuing this fight. I was so honored to have you in attendance on Friday night and to fuse your family with mine. Many people can offer their support, few can offer their experience. Although she has not said it to me, I know my mother will be forever grateful to you both for sharing your experience with your son and I can ensure you that it helped to comfort her.

Heimall Family and Cheryl Collelouri of HEADstrong

To my family, you will never know how much it meant that you all could have been there that night. Yes, it was Valentine's Day weekend and I knew my dad was coming up to spend time with mom, but for my brothers to make their respective six hour trips only added to the event. Thank you.

It was Pat's suggestion, and I can't thank Manhattan SID Kevin Ross enough for agreeing to the idea. Kevin worked with both Pat and I to relay our hopes to the Manhattan administration and accommodate as much as he could. Kevin also gave me his HEADstrong tie after the game, which was too kind. To Manhattan Athletic Director Noah LeFevre, thank you for the permission to bring this wonderful cause into Draddy Gym and to the Jasper Nation. 

To Jaspers Head Coach Steve Masiello, thank you for everything. My first night in the hospital I was supposed to be in Jersey City as Manhattan took on St. Peter's. Coach called me that night to see how I was and what was going on with me. I don't know how many Division I men's basketball coaches would call their broadcaster mere hours after a win, but I'd like to think that number is high and that they would do it as quickly as Mas did. Since then, Coach has been one of my biggest supporters and his players, my Jasper brothers, have been just as big. My first night back was incredible and to see them all with those lime green shoelaces in their sneakers was really, really cool.

Probably the coolest part of the night happened mere moments before tip. Iona head coach Tim Cluess came out of the locker room, walked across the court, and came to see me. I've been the "Voice of the Jaspers" for four season now, and Coach Cluess and I never had more than a passing "Hello" prior to a game. For him to come over to me, share his support, and stories of his friends who currently battling, and beating cancer, with the family history that he has, just minutes before he has to coach his team against their arch rival ON THE ROAD no less, was one of the classiest things I've ever witnessed. My thanks go to him and Iona SID Brian Beyer for their efforts and support that night. Would have been nice if you could have let Manhattan win that night though. Just saying.

Even Iona wore green on this night!

As I mentioned before, the reason we wanted our #ProjectGameday to be this game was because it was going to be showcased nationally on ESPNU. A chance to bring HEADstrong to a whole new audience of college basketball fans. Nick Collelouri first had the idea of athletes using their notoriety to help support the cause by wearing these shoelaces. All ESPNU had to do was show the game; they didn't have to say anything about the cause or even really show it. Fortunately, Doug Sherman, the play-by-play man that night for the telecast, and I have known each other for a couple of years. When I finally made my way to press row, Doug did what every good broadcaster does: he got the story. He asked about my status, what was left for me to do, HEADstrong, and anything else he felt would be pertinent for the broadcast. Because of that, when the opportunity presented itself, he gave the foundation a great mention, and I even got a little airtime as well (which was pretty cool). After the game I had the chance to meet Malcolm Huckaby, former Boston College star and Doug's color commentator that night. We had a great talk and I look forward to continuing that friendship as well.

Not a bad look on TV...for a radio guy,,.

Now, I do have one final thank you to make, and it's a little tongue-in-cheek. Shane Richards, the junior sharp-shooter for Manhattan was kind enough to lose his shoe just one minute into the second half. That is what allowed Doug the opportunity to discuss HEADstrong and get a full two minutes of dialogue on national TV for both the foundation and myself. Sugar Shane hits another one! If you didn't get the chance to watch the broadcast, Ken Taylor and Kyle Firestine from the MAAC were kind enough to get it for me; thank you both.

HEADstrong on ESPNU

#ProjectGamedy was, and still is, a new idea to help raise funds for HEADstrong and continue the mission of Nick Collelouri, ensuring that no person fights cancer alone. We "debuted" the idea with me and the Manhattan-Iona match-up. I set a goal of $2,700 to raise before the game, and with your help we reached nearly $3,000! I can't thank all of YOU enough for being a part of this. I have constantly said that the support I have received has been more overwhelming than cancer could ever hope to be. If you still want to donate, or if you want to pledge your game, competition, or event to #ProjectGameday, I encourage you to visit www.HEADstrong.org to learn more. Teams can sign-up and do it all year long  and your donations go straight to those fighting cancer and their families.

Once again, I can't thank everyone who had a hand in this enough. If I left you off this blog, I sincerely apologize. Just know that you were part of the most incredible night of my young life. The love and support I felt was absolutely tremendous and truly reignited by desire to fight this disease and continue Nick's mission. Like I said, I'm back in the hospital for round two and ready to keep putting my boot right into the teeth of cancer! For now, as always, I ask you to keep sending your positive thoughts, prayers, and (if you can) dollars, to those who are fighting tougher fights than I am. I love you all, I thank you all, and I'll update you when we have more!

#BootStompCancer Day 25...The Trouble With Up is There's Always A Down

I know it's been a while, a week, since I last posted an update and I truthfully haven't been too keen on posting this one. Probably the biggest response I have gotten from everyone through my writing, or my tweets, or interactions, has been how positive my attitude is. Why shouldn't it be? I know I'm going to beat this, the doctor's know I'm going to beat this, and cancer damn sure knows it by now.

However, with that constant reminder of how positive I've been, it almost makes it difficult to tell you all how hard this is. To talk about the bad days, and there have been a few. Sure, my family and loved ones know because they see it. But, if so many of you are upbeat because of me, how can I let you down by showing my bad days? The answer is simple: I have to.

Your positive support is what has helped keep me fighting through those bad days. It would be wrong of me not to share my struggles, our struggles, and only let you in on the good times. Cancer is not a one-man battle; it is a team sport and I need my team.

The truth is, getting out of the hospital and getting back to work last week was the happiest I had been in a very long time. It was proof that things were getting better. The doctors were so impressed with how my body reacted to the first round of chemotherapy and they trusted me enough to let me go and try to live my life. It was exhilarating, it was unfathomable, it was too much.

I went back to my full-time job with head of steam last Tuesday, was in the office all week, and returned to my passion of calling Manhattan Jaspers games on Friday night. I can't even begin to describe what Feb. 6 meant to me. To see my 22 brothers, coaches and players, for the first time in a month, sporting the #BootStompCancer wristbands was beyond emotional.

Hugging all my friends, colleagues and coworkers over the past four years felt like coming home for the first time in ages. Seeing all my athletes, the softball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball teams, etc. come over to me and smile was incredible. The President of the school even emailed me that day to say he hoped to see me at the game! The amount of love and support I got that night was so overwhelming, there was no way I wasn't going to keep fighting. It also helped that the Jaspers won that night, but I digress.

Unfortunately, my mind and heart were not on the same page as my body. I crashed. It didn't come swiftly like you sometimes think. I didn't fall over or anything like you see in the movies. It happened like a slow-motion car wreck. I did another broadcast on Saturday, and then a road trip with the men on Sunday. And then it happened.

I knew something was wrong almost immediately that night. My stomach and my head were just not having it. I barely slept. Nothing helped as I was in so much pain. On Monday, I tried to go to work and stayed way longer than I should have. When I finally got home and laid down, I didn't know what to expect.

I woke up almost two hours later and had forgotten where I was and how I had gotten there. I was fearful that I was going to start throwing up or run a fever and have to be rushed back to the hospital when my mother was over an hour away at family.

Fortunately, I was able to sustain everything and was able to get some sleep Monday night. Tuesday was a great day and today is looking like more of the same. I am constantly learning through this process. That's what cancer does. It forces you to relearn everything. What you like to eat, how fast you can move, even how much you can take. I know there are going to be bad days, I'm not naive. I'm just thankful that for every person who has told me how amazed they are at my positive, that same person I know will be there when a day as bad as I've had comes along.

One of my great days is coming. This Friday, February 13 (which is ironic cause I am REALLY superstitious about that day) the Manhattan Jaspers and Iona Gaels battle on ESPNU at 10pm and I am calling the game for Manhattan radio. Both teams have agreed to work together with me and the HEADstrong Foundation as part of our #ProjectGameday campaign to raise money and awareness for those fighting this disease.

To all of you who have donated, I cannot thank you enough. This is not about me raising money for my hospital expenses. This is about me raising money to keep the spirit and fight of a brilliant young man in Nick Collelouri alive. His mission was, and is, to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. It is a mission I am happy to take on for the rest of my life and I'm humbled by the support two bitter rivals have given to this cause.

If you have not donated, and you can, I ask for just a small contribution. I'm closing in on my goal of $2700 raised before tip-off and would love to exceed that and present HF with a great check as they will be there on Friday. Please visit www.classy.org/BootStompCancer to learn more about HEADstrong and to donate.

Until then, as always, please keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming for myself and the others going through this. I love you all, I thank you all, if you're coming Friday night I can't wait to see you all!

#BootStompCancer Day 18...I am HEADstrong!

This post is coming a couple days later than I anticipated but I've been enjoying my new found freedom since being released from the hospital on Monday night. I went back to my full-time job on Tuesday and even went ice skating for the first time in SIX YEARS! I've never been so excited to be so nervous in my life haha!

As I've consistently been expressing through my posts, I am incredibly humbled and honored by the amount of support I have received since announcing my diagnosis. All of that support came to a pinnacle last night. This has been in the works for about a week and we were finally able to announce it yesterday. For those of you that have not heard, below you will find the release from the Manhattan College Athletics Department:


"RIVERDALE, N.Y. – On Friday, Feb. 13, the Manhattan College men’s basketball team will partner with the HEADstrong Foundation’s #ProjectGameday in an effort to raise awareness and funds to fight blood cancer, in honor of play-by-play broadcaster Christian Heimall. The Jaspers are slated to take on Iona College at 10 p.m. at Draddy Gymnasium in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPNU.

The blueprints for the HEADstrong Foundation were conceptualized by Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori in 2006, while he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which ultimately claimed his life. Today, Nick’s vision is being fulfilled through the relentless efforts of his family, athletes and supporters across the country uniting in the fight against blood cancers.

“We are excited to be able to help not only Christian but the entire HEADstrong Foundation in the universal fight against cancer,” said Manhattan College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Noah D. LeFevre.

#ProjectGameday is HEADstrong’s newest fundraising campaign, supporting the essential programs and services offered by the non-profit organization to improve quality of life for cancer patients and their families. The online campaign empowers athletic teams and individuals alike to pledge their game and raise funds for the cause. Manhattan’s #ProjectGameday will help raise funds for HEADstrong and for Christian as he battles his illness. Click here to change the game for Christian and others affected by cancer.

“The HEADstrong Foundation has been shining a light on those battling cancer for the better part of a decade,”said Heimall. “The Colleluori family has been instrumental in improving the lives of countless patients and their families battling this terrible disease. I am so honored to be welcomed as part of their extended family and to help welcome Jasper Nation into that family as well.”

A merchandise tent will also be set up inside Draddy Gym for fans to purchase, as well donate to the foundation. Fans attending the game are encouraged to wear lime green, the official awareness color of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the HEADstrong Foundation.

Heimall, who is in his fourth year as the “Voice of the Jaspers,” was diagnosed the B-Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. A Hofstra University graduate, the 25-year-old has joined forces with HEADstrong to continue their mission of improving quality of life for patients battling cancers and their families.

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation and those affected by cancer we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Manhattan Jasper nation for rallying support for Christian and recognizing the importance of our cause," said Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick's mother. "We find ourselves matched against the toughest opponent and we are on the front lines of this disease, working, supporting and easing the hardships of “Real People” like Christian Heimall. When we learned of his diagnosis, we immediately reached out to assure him that he was not alone and we are inspired by his positivity. He embodies many of the same characteristics of our Nick and we are thrilled to have him on our team. We wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to both Manhattan and Iona College for joining our fight against this disease.”

About the HEADstrong Foundation™

The HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to being a resource for blood cancer patients and their families, helping them to navigate the harrowing ordeal of cancer by providing essential services to improve quality of life.

HEADstrong™ is an athletic rooted organization that serves the cancer community by granting direct financial assistance to those financially impacted as a result of the disease, by providing complimentary long-term housing and amenities for those traveling to Philadelphia, Pa. for cancer related treatments through Nick’s House™, by funding innovative blood cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma research fund, by serving family meals and offering outlets of entertainment for those receiving care at hospitals, by delivering comfort kits to newly hospitalized patients preparing for treatment or transplant and by lending an arm of support through their peer to peer advocacy group.

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how they are Getting a HEAD of Cancer™ go to www.HEADstrong.org."


I truthfully cannot convey my gratitude for everyone is helping to make this possible. From Pat Colleluori at HEADstrong, who called me up out of the blue to help get this thing moving, to Jim Sheehan at Hofstra Univeristy to making the connection possible, and everyone at both Manhattan and Iona College for agreeing to do this for me; it's almost too much.

This is why I love sports. Sports have always been an outlet from real life and a chance for everyone, no matter what side of the tracks you reside on, to come together for a common good: their fellow man. February 6th is my return to broadcasting, my outlet, and to be able to do something like this a week later, at a place I love, surrounded by people I love, is such an incredible blessing that I still don't know if I truly deserve.

Throughout this whole process, I have asked simply for your time and your thoughts. This will be one of the few times, if not the only time, that I will ask for money. Please, visit www.classy.org/BootStompCancer and make a donation to HEADstrong's #ProjectGameday. By doing so, you will not just be benefiting me, but countless others who are afflicted by cancer.

The goal of HEADstrong is to improve the quality of life of blood cancer patients and their families. I am so very blessed to have the family I do that many of the financial hardships others endure, we are not forced to. So please, in honor of that, make a donation (even as little as $27, in honor of HF founder Nick Collelouri) to help those in much more dire straits than I. If you want to learn more about Nick, his family, his story, and his mission, go to www.HEADstrong.org and learn what a tremendous cause this is.

I am so very proud to be welcomed into this family, and even prouder to open the doors to you all. If you cannot be at the game on February 13, watch on ESPNU and know that any donation you can make is one GIANT step in our fight against cancer. Because if we are RELENTLESS in our efforts, and HEADstrong in our efforts, we can all get aHEAD of Cancer. For Nick.

I love you all, I thank you all, and I can't wait to see you all soon!

#BootStompCancer Day 15...The Fight is On!

Well, it's Super Bowl Sunday and before I get to my prediction (this was, after all, supposed to be a sports blog), a quick little update.

This weekend has by far been the toughest. On Thursday I received my first dose of Methatrexate, the heaviest of the chemo drugs. This was part of 10 hours of chemotherapy infusions and lasted well into the night. My schedule was then to have a mix of drugs infused multiple times over the next three days with my last infusion coming later tonight. When I woke up Friday feeling pretty good, I had no idea how false that feeling would be just 24 hours later.

Saturday was incredibly difficult. For the first time, I actually felt like I was sick. The nausea, the fatigue, the soreness, all of it at once. I spent more of my day yesterday sleeping, more to avoid the discomfort, than anything else and even started running a slight fever. I tried, multiple times, to get out of bed and try to feel normal, but I couldn't. My appetite did not exist. I don't think I ate anything solid all day. All I could do was lay there and hope the medicine I asked for would take effect.

What helped get me through were the phone calls, texts, and visitors I had yesterday. It was great to able to have my mind focused on talking with friends and loved ones, instead of focusing on trying not to throw up and have a poor reaction to the chemotherapy. I just kept saying "If this is as bad as it gets, I'm going to be fine."

Fortunately, that was. I woke up this morning feeling much better; not great, but better. I've been able to get up and move a little more and actually ate breakfast! The big test will be how I feel to eat some form of Super Bowl foods while watching the game.

Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to have a spinal tap done where the doctors will inject another form of chemo into my spine to help protect the cancer from spreading into my Central Nervous System and beyond. Whats great is that I'm going to be knocked out for it, as anyone who has had an LP done with local anesthesia will tell you. After that, depending on how I feel, and the weather, I can go home for the first time in over two weeks! It's going to be so weird, but so great to be able to back home and taste fresh air again!

Momma Dukes Says "Go Pats!"

Now, as for my prediction. I, unlike most people living in New York, recognize and respect talent and that is what the New England Patriots have. If you truly think "deflategate" had anything to do with them winning the AFC title game, you don't understand football. Tom Brady has been playing at a level I have not seen in years and Bill Belichick is a tremendous coach. Together, the two of them will notch their fourth Championship and cement their spot as arguable the greatest coach/QB tandem ever. Plus, mom's a Pats fan and she's the boss. Patriots win, 37-31.

I'm going to have another update for you all tomorrow, but not about me. It will be about something that I'm helping to put together with a group of folks who have been instrumental in my life since diagnosis. I can't wait to share it all with you and hope as many of you can participate as possible. Until then, as always, please continue to donate your time/thoughts/money to those going through a tougher battle than I am. I love you all, I thank you all, and I'll update you when we have more!