#BootStompCancer Day 1: WOW! Thank you all. Thank you.

Wow. That's all I can say. The incredible outpouring of support I received yesterday was beyond overwhelming. I shouldn't be surprised, like I said before; I have an army behind me. The amount of family, co-workers, and folks I lost touch with for years who reached out to me truthfully brought me to tears. I want all of you to know how much it meant to me and to ensure you all that not a single person who called/texted/tweeted/emailed/etc. was considered a burden. It was great talking to some people I haven't spoken to in a long time. Most of all, it was heartwarming to see all of that support on a day that disappointed me more than it probably should have. Thank you. So, without further ado, the update.

I was supposed to go in for a simple PET Scan, a full body scan similar to a CAT Scan but a little more inclusive, and it turns out I was in for a lot more. The first person I met was an oncologist who went over the exact form of treatment I would be receiving, the procedures we still have to perform, and the chances for success (still at 95%!!!). When I asked her about my timeline for Friday, she told me I was to be admitted to the hospital so we could start those other procedures. After calling my bosses, helping find a replacement for Manhattan's broadcast at St. Peter's, and speaking to some family, I was shown my new "apartment".

I was admitted to the Westchester Medical Center Children's Hospital (make all the jokes you want, they have Kool-Aid here!) and began meeting my entire medical team. The reason I was placed in the Children's Hospital is because many lymphoma treatments for children are just as effective in patients in their late 20's. In fact, some studies have shown that using the pediatric method of treatment for someone my age has a 30% higher success rate than the adult method!

As multiple nurses, physicians, attendings, residents, and oncologists made their way into the room to introduce themselves, I was given a little more of an update about what was next for me. I still had to complete a CAT Scan, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and port insertion before we begin chemotherapy. They were unsure when the last three would take place but I was assured the CAT Scan would happen that night and was told not to eat or drink for four hours before.

So, after not eating all morning because of my PET Scan, Mom ran down to the Au Bon Pain in the lobby (yes, Hofstra friends, I got the Mac & Cheese) to get me something to eat. At about 5:30pm I was told not to eat again because the CAT Scan would happen in a few hours. Unfortunately, that didn't happen until about 1am and the first night of sleep wasn't that great either, but the first night in a new place rarely is.

Because the CAT Scan was done so late, and because I had the brilliant timing of being admitted on the Friday before a holiday weekend, the other three procedures probably won't take place until Tuesday. At that time, I'll have the bone marrow biopsy, LP, and port all inserted while I am knocked out (Hallelujah!!). We will give the port anywhere between 24 and 48 hours to heal before we begin chemo. Then, I'll be monitored to see how my body, and the 10cm mass on the left side of my neck (I think NASA took a picture of it yesterday, it's THAT noticeable) react. All told, I'll probably be here until a week from Monday, maybe longer.

With that being said; one of the best things (and I use that term loosely) about being here is seeing some of these children. I mentioned in my first post that there are people in much worse shape than I am. These are those people. The kids here are incredible though. Some have been receiving treatment for years yet act like they are oblivious to what's going on. The highlight of my day was a little boy in his superhero mask walking around the nurses station. When they asked where he was going he simply said, "Home!". It was incredible. So please. keep them, and others like them in your thoughts and prayers as well.

While I'm here, I welcome anyone who wants to to come visit. My mother will be with me most of the time so you can come meet her if you haven't yet, or come say "Hi" if it's been awhile. Feel free to text me for visiting hours and let me know when you want to come because I'm only "limited" to two visitors at a time. If not, keep those texts/messages/tweets/emails coming. It's great talking to you all! I love you all, I thank you all, and I'll update you again when we know more!

My New Year's Resolution? #BootStompCancer

I've been putting this off for a very long period of time. 37 days to be exact. I didn't really know why I kept delaying putting this out there for the "general public" until recently. Part of me didn't want to make a deal about it. Part of me thought it was a little too personal to be out there on the Internet. But,  the truth is, the majority of me was still trying to accept what I had known for nearly six weeks.

You remember the big moments in your life: graduation, first love, that big promotion. For me, December 9, 2014 will forever be the day I was diagnosed with cancer. What I thought was a routine check on my swollen throat turned into the most shocking and heartbreaking day of my life.

"You have lymphoma." Those three words, uttered to me over the phone by my doctor, shook me to my core and I truthfully don't remember the next few hours.

I do know it was a lot of holding back tears and Google. It was a phone call to my father, who had already been informed by my doctor, where the two of us were holding back tears while planning how to tell my mother and the rest of our family. That night was one of the toughest; sitting in my apartment, alone, just trying to research as much as I could about what was happening to me and what was about to happen.

The next day was worse. Knowing I had to wait until close to 9 p.m. to tell my mother in Texas was torture. Before I could even get the word out, we were all in tears. Over the next few days the word got out to other family members and calls kept coming in. To be honest, it got to be overwhelming.

On December 18, as most of you know, I had my infected left tonsil and a 6.5cm mass removed from my throat. The mass was biopsied and on December 23, while sitting in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport waiting for my connecting flight home for Christmas, the results came in. Just a few short hours later I crumbled into my mothers arms at the El Paso Airport and cried.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and a very aggressive one. Over the last three weeks I have met with multiple doctors, nurses, and oncologists about my possible treatment and what to expect in the coming future.

DLBCL can be very dangerous, especially if not treated. Fortunately, this was caught early enough where everyone I have spoken to has put my success rate between 88% and 95%. The treatment is expected to be six rounds of chemotherapy, spaced about three weeks apart. While I have not yet begun my treatment, it will start in the next few days.

We kept the official diagnosis between the immediate Heimall family through the Christmas holiday and starting slowly telling extended family on December 26. I cannot begin to thank the family and loved ones, not friends; loved ones, whom I told before tonight. While this isn't as sensitive a topic as some other life-altering moments, to be able to keep this in my circle was an added bit of comfort.

To those who are just finding out tonight, I must apologize. This was something I would rather tell someone in person, but for some that was just not possible. As you can imagine, the last two weeks since my return to New York have been pretty hectic as well.

One of the things I have read over and over is the importance of an outlet during treatment. This blog will serve as that outlet, a chance for me to keep you all updated, and an opportunity to continue writing about what I love; sports.

This will also serve as just a small platform for the importance of cancer research and early detection. My health is directly related to when this was discovered. That being said, it could have been discovered sooner but there is no time nor need for the "what-if" game.

If you feel the need to do something, I ask that it be only one thing: donate. Whether it be money, time, or positive energy, it does not matter. But please do not limit it to me. There are so many more like me, and countless more in worse shape. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a deadly disease, but it does not have to be. I ask that, if you can, spend some time, and maybe some money, with Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or, one very dear to me, the HEADstrong Foundation.

For those who do not know, HEADstrong was born from a former Hofstra Men's Lacrosse player in Nick Colleluori and the collegiate lacrosse community has turned it into something bigger every single year. As a Hofstra alum with mild ties to the Men's Lacrosse program, I plan to rededicate all I do for that foundation as well as others.

The other thing I've constantly seen is the need for a positive support system. I have never been more confident that I have that. Between family, loved ones, co-workers at both Manhattan College and the Rockland Boulders, and medical personnel, I have an army of positive energy around me.

So again, spend some time in thought or prayer for those who are suffering and maybe even spend some time with them. Even if that is all you can do, you will never know how much it truly means.

As I mentioned, this will serve as a chance to constantly and consistently keep everyone updated. I am scheduled for a PET Scan at Westchester Medical Center tomorrow morning where I will be staged and a full attack plan will be designed. My chemotherapy will done at WMC and I look forward to the announcement of me being cancer free to also come from there in a matter of months.

I can't wait to get back on the air after my scan tomorrow as the Jaspers visit St. Peter's at 7 pm and continuing to be their voice on the air throughout their title defense. The same goes for the Rockland Boulders. I look forward to being in the office on a consistent basis and helping them defend their championship.

This is what I love to do and this is what is going to help get me through what will only be a mild "highlight" in my life and career. I love you all, I thank you all, and I will update you when we know more.

Open Letter To Ben Cherington

Dear Mr. Cherington,

Now that the worst season of Red Sox baseball in my short lifetime is officially over, I feel a need to write you on behalf of Red Sox Nation. The contents of this message are my own personal hopes and opinions on how to approach this offseason.

First, in regards to management. If you have not already fired Bobby Valentine, please forward this letter as a means of termination. When you originally announced his hiring I was optimistically happy. A man who has had some success in his career and a personality I felt would fit in Boston, eventually caved like a three story house with no foundation. His 10 years out of Major League Baseball left him completely disconnected to today's ballplayer and further more the coaching staff. When you do hire your 2013 manager please look for someone who not only connects with this generation of big leaguers, but is also someone who understands the media and can interact with them in a way that benefits both parties. Someone who has been there before and the players respect, like John Farrell for example. One other thing, let him choose his coaching staff and don't force anyone down his throat as you did with the pitching coach this year.

Next, when it comes to free agency I hope you learned some valuable lessons from your predecessor. Just because a big name talent is available does not mean you need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to attain that talent. There are plenty of options out there that will benefit the club both on the field and financially. The trade to LA set up the system for future success. How far in the future will obviously depend on your scouts and I'll let them do their jobs. Therefore, here are a couple things I would like to see happen in free agency this winter:

1. Bring back David Ortiz and Cody Ross. The two have them have been pretty consistent this summer and who else can keep the clubhouse loose like Big Papi or play right field as well as Ross? I would hope for a two-year deal worth about $15-million max.

2. Get rid of Diasuke. I don't think I really need to explain this one.

3. The return of Jacoby Ellsbury is imperative. He has been one of those "homegrown" talents that strong franchises are built around and he is a fan favorite. While his contract may be a big one, his play will be worth it.

4. Other role players such as Mike Aviles, Aaron Cook, and Alfredo Aceves can be valuable and I would not mind seeing them back but I won't be upset to see them leave either.

5. If you do choose to go after a big name, please choose one of the following: Josh Hamilton or Kyle Lohse. Yes, I realize getting into a bidding war with Texas or whoever over Hamilton is exactly what Theo would do but could you imagine that swing in Fenway 81 times a year? Also, the starting rotation was ATROCIOUS this season. Lohse has been pretty standout for the Cardinals and I think St. Louis would be OK with letting him go. A rotation of Lester, Lackey, Buchholz, Lohse, & Dubront seems alright to me. Some good lefty relief pitching would be nice too.

Finally, can you please have a closed door meeting with Ortiz, Ellsbury, Jon Lester and Dustin Pedroia and explain to them what their roles on this team are? They are leaders and aside from Pedey's on-field effort, I've seen little of that. Ortiz is captain goofball that helps keep the clubhouse loose. Dustin is the team voice that speaks for all in the good and the bad (like he did with Tito last offseason). Lester and Ellsbury are the quiet assassins. They understand the media and how to succeed amongst the pressures of Boston. It is that quality that needs to be transposed to the rest of the clubhouse for 2013.

I hope that you sincerely take these requests to heart as you move into the "Hot Stove" season and if you have any questions please let me know. I love the Red Sox more than I've ever loved anything else in my life. I don't want them to win the World Series, or even compete every year. That makes them the Yankees. I just don't want to be embarrassed to be a member of Sox Nation. I wasn't in the late 1990's or 2003 or even the playoff collapse of 2009. But since September 1, 2011, I've actually kept quiet about my fanaticism with that club. Please don't let this continue.


Signed,

A Die Hard Member of Red Sox Nation.

"The Big One" Has Finally Happened in the NFL

Before we get started, yes, this is going to be a bit of a rant about the replacement referees in the NFL. If you're looking to talk about something different, there's a little red "X" button in the top right corner of your screen. If not, enjoy my personal take on the month that was September in America's most popular game.

Let's put aside the missed calls over the last three weeks of the regular season (and four preseason games), and the countless tweets, press conference remarks, and disturbing silence coming from the Office of the Commissioner of the NFL. The fact of the matter is that while the first month of the NFL season have been exciting as all hell, they have not been enjoyable to watch. Every whistle comes with misinterpretation of the rule book, the wrong signal, and a collective eye-roll from the entire country.

After last night's debacle of a finish in Seattle, only the Boondock Saints' Murphy MacManus could so astutely portray our combined expression, I could only stand aghast as everything we've all been waiting for was finally here: The Big One.

It was a terribly blatant missed call that was rightly upheld by video review (you can't review possession), yet that wasn't what upset me the most. The two officials couldn't even decide on the call to make! The Back Judge signaled interception while the Line Judge called it a touchdown. When two officials, who LOOK AT EACH OTHER, still can't agree on a call, that's when you know something is wrong.

While that was the biggest atrocity, look at the hits we have seen so far. Whether its a lineman on a quarterback, or a corner on a wide out, defensive players are feeling much more embolden. They know these officials are scared to make one of those big calls that put the ball 15+ yards down field and that is why you see so many Illegal Contact and Holding calls on defense rather than pass interference; new first down but not as much yardage. And good for those defensive players recognizing that and taking advantage of these officials, as well as the coaches and players criticizing the refs. Force the league to take action either by fining everyone associated with the organization (including the broadcasters who are spot-on with their words) or to bring back the zebras we use to love to yell at.

However, now that "The Big One" has happened I hope two things transpire out of it.

A) The regular officials need to come back. The issue with that is I'm still not sure who to be upset at because no one is talking about what either side wants/won't give. But that is a moot point considering where the integrity of "The Shield", as Roger Goodell calls it, currently sits.

B) When the regular refs do return, I want us all to remember how much we criticized these terribly under qualified officials who were asked to learn a rule book in two months that many a former referee has said takes at least five years to be comfortable with. Appreciate what guys like Ed Hochuli do and when a call by them is blatantly missed, have the same disdain but remember it could be worse.

I guess the saying is true, you never know what you have until it's gone. Now we know.

Can Anything Shock Us Anymore?

With the news of Lance Armstrong dropping his suit, and the idiocracy of a governing body that has no jurisdiction over the event he dominated for a decade, it begged the question as to what in the world of sports would actually shock us as individuals. After the Penn State scandal, there are very few things. However, I think these could make us drop our jaw for a moment.

5. Fishy Phelps

Imagine that the greatest Olympian of all-time is charged, and convicted, with blood doping or some other form of PED's? For the last 12 years, the Baltimore, Md. native has wowed us with dominating victories and last second finishes. But if we found out that he actually was cheating during any point, especially in 2008, it would seriously alter the world's perspective on not only him but American athletes as a whole. How would we look back at Jason Lezak's dash to the wall in Beijing to preserve Phelps' perfect Olympiad? How would time remember one of the more impressive careers ever seen? You want to see a polarizing debate? If this happens you will.

4. Duke and/or UNC Basketball Violations

As a fan who hates both the Blue Devils and the Tarhells, there is no doubt the two most respectable coaches in the game are Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski. Both have not only produced dominating basketball teams, but have also produced impressive young men. What I've always been impressed about is the graduation rates of these two programs. In a time where the "one-and-done" has swallowed college basketball, countless student-athletes finish their careers not only with Championship rings, but Degrees as well. If it turned out that either of these men pulled a John Calipari, a Jim Calhoun, or God forbid Calvin Sampson, the way we look at arguably the two best college coaches would be seriously changed.

3. The Night the Lights Went Out at Camden

Having gone to middle school and high school south of Baltimore, there was one hero: Cal Ripken, Jr. To this day I consider his consecutive games streak to be the greatest record in baseball. One that will never be broken or even challenged. But there is still a small cloud around this amazing accomplishment. On August 14, 1997 (long after the record was already broken), the light mysteriously went out down the left field line and the game against Seattle was cancelled. Some say it is because Ripken discovered actor Kevin Costner, who was staying at his following the shooting of his movie "The Postman", in bed with his wife and a domestic dispute ensued. Though paper reports prove Ripken was in the ballpark, some still believe the power outage was made to allow the Ironman's streak to continue. If it was, it may not be a total loss considering the record was already broken but it would seriously damage the reputation Cal and the Orioles organization built.

2. Notre Dame's "Penn State"

When the news of Penn State hit, it struck not just the sports world, but the country as a whole. One of the premier institutions (not just football programs) the nation has ever seen committing such a heinous series of crimes shook us all to our very core. Now imagine if something similar to that happened at a Catholic college like Notre Dame? The media firestorm seen at Beaver Stadium would be looked at as a press conference for a local politician announcing his candidacy for dog catcher. Even more so it would disgust all of us to the point where our sanity, and our hope, would completely vanish.

1. Jeter Juiced

It is very rare that Red Sox fan will put any Yankee on top of a list not titled "Guys I Hate" or "Guys I'd Love to See Suffer a Career Ending Injury" but Derek Jeter is this generation's face of baseball. His level of play, and respect for every person across the field is unparalleled in this day and age. Somehow he never misses a beat at the plate and every now and again he shows off that old Jeter flare at short. A guy I admire and respect a hell of a lot would honestly devastate me if it turned out he was cheating. I really believe that this guy, with as good a player and person he is, could not be lumped in with the likes of Barry Bonds, Andy Pettite or Roger Clemens. Anyone else wouldn't shock us, Derek Jeter would sadden everyone.

State of the (Red Sox) Nation

OK so I know it's been a while since I've posted but I've been busy. That being said, there is only one topic big enough to bring me out of this mild summer hibernation: The Boston Red Sox.

As of today, the team currently sits with a record 59-63 and are seven games back of the second AL Wild Card. While there have been many concerns and outrages about the 2012 season, allow me to try and inject a sense of stability to the frantic fan base know as Red Sox Nation.

The end of the 2011 season was the most horrific collapse in all of baseball, and it happened in the most enigmatic baseball town in the world. It led to a clean managerial house and the forced retirement of two Boston icons (Wakefield, and Varitek). While those changes were by no means uneccessary, it set up 2012 for immediate failure.

Should the team be performing better than their current status as one of the forgotten members of baseball's elite? Maybe. Should Bobby Valentine be concerned for his job after just one year as manager? Yes. Should fans of their beloved team be really this upset about the sub-.500 record this late in the year? No. And here's why:

1) The Sox have yet to play a single game with their projected opening day lineup. Injuries to key players such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis (prior to the trade), Clay Buchholz, Andrew Bailey, and now Will Middlebrooks have left manager Bobby Valentine in a position only MacGyver could have solved. Yes, guys like Ciriaco and Aviles have been huge. And who knew that Alfredo Aceves was gonna be the fifth best closer in the American League? Last year, Boston was projected to be the best team on paper. This year they were played up to be one of the top teams when you look at it. But we haven't actually seen what was projected, and we won't.

2) The media has been more destructive to the team than the team itself. There is no secret that Boston fans and Boston media have the worst love/hate relationship with their team in baseball. For some reason, the love able loser that turned World Champ is now in a broken marriage with the city it represents. Reporters are looking for ways to put a wedge between management and players, players and coaches, players and players. Fans are looking to jump off the Prudential Center with every lost series. Jon Lester said it best in a recent article where he mentioned the pressure on the team from the media is unlike any place else, making it difficult to play well. However, dear Jonny boy, excuses only satisfy those who make them.

3) Players have underperformed. Aside from the recent hot streak of the soon to be shut down Carl Crawford and the recently disabled David Ortiz, there hasn't been one consistently great player this season. When your top two starters (Josh Beckett and Jon Lester) are a combined 12-21, it's never going to be a good season. That being said, Buchholz and Franklin Morales are the most impressive 3-4 combo in the bigs with a 21-9 mark.Adrian Gonzalez has been a dominant hitter with runners on but guys like Ellsbury and Pedey haven't gotten there. And don't even get me started on the bottom of the lineup.

With all the things going wrong, so much has been made about if Valentine will stay in the dugout next year. Here is my honest to goodness belief. A warning, Sox fans may wanna avert your eyes.

Bobby Valentine should return in 2013. When he was hired, it was clearly done as a PR stunt to draw attention away from the "chicken and beer" mentality of last September. The issue with that was the Ben Cherington forgot the number one cure-all in sports: winning. There was no emphasis put on rebuilding the Sox veteran leadership, or their actual bullpen. The injury to Bailey hurt and the front end of the rotation hasn't helped. I truthfully think that if Bailey were healthy and Becket and Lester got their heads out of their asses prior to August (Josh still can't find his) Boston would be where Baltimore currently is. A re-dedication to the players on the field in the offseason, and one of the veterans actually showing leadership, HI DUSTIN! very well can change the concept of baseball at Fenway in 2013. Do I think Valentine will be around to see that happen? I hope so.

His personality is one that fits that city and this team is one that can compete. Don't get upset with the injuries and talent level elsewhere. Hindsight will always be 20/20. It's only a matter of time if Bobby V is the right optometrist for Boston fans who, has I said at the end of last season, have forgotten their place in baseball. Let the last 185 games be a reminder.

The Biggest "Small" Story This Sports Week

So I'm sitting here in Columbia, South Carolina getting set for the start of the NCAA Baseball Regional tournament as Manhattan plays #8 seeded South Carolina as Coastal Carolina and Clemson are also in the regional.

I wanted to write this at the beginning of the week, but prep for this weekend prevented that. There is a story, in every sporting event, that is played up by the media for the "underdog" of the event. However, the one being talked about this weekend, deserves to be overplayed to the point of exhaustion and then some.

Manhattan Jaspers senior pitcher, and starter today against the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks, Taylor Sewitt is coming off one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen in sports in my young life.

Sewitt, a walk-on shortstop turned pitcher, turned in an outing that single handedly gave Manhattan their second straight MAAC title. After the Jaspers dropped game one to Rider 6-4 on Thursday, sending them to the loser's bracket, Sewitt goes out and throws a 9 inning shutout in a 1-0 win over Fairfield with 12 strikeouts and 106 pitches.

The next day, he pitched two shutout innings in relief in the championship round over Canisius for a Manhattan come from behind win to force a decisive final game. In that game, Sewitt pitched 11 shutout innings in relief as the Jaspers won 3-2 over the Golden Griffins.

So lets review: after three straight days, Taylor Sewitt (a former shortstop) had a line that looked like this: 22 IP, 3-0, 10 H, 6 BB, 20 K, 0 R, 296 pitches. He was rightfully named MVP.

What made this so incredible to me, was that the sidearmer was dominant on all three days. Baseball "purists" who have heard the story are up in arms saying the coaching staff abused their starter. Here is what I say, ride the hot hand. Sewitt didn't just barely get by on those three days, he DOMINATED. Every time he came out of the dugout on Sunday my jaw dropped. Here was a senior who said time and time again "It was my last tournament and I wasn't going to lose. I was just asking my teammates to get one run." I give credit to the Manhattan staff for letting their horse run. They trusted him, they believed in him, and he proved them correct.

So today, at 4 p.m. on ESPNU, Sewitt will pitch in his second straight NCAA Tournament this time against a two-time national champ. Last year, he pitched five scoreless innings at Florida. Let me say that again, five SCORELESS innings AT FLORIDA. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball, he doesn't have a deadly curve, and he doesn't have high draft hopes. But he has something that every "underdog" story requires to stay alive: heart.

I'm beyond excited to watch this kid pitch again, and so should you. If you can, do it. Whether you root for him to win or not, you're going to see the best part about college sports, someone playing for love of the game and only that.



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