KJ Mazurek
Staff Reporter
In May 2005, Dan Waeger, a former McDaniel College golfer, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. With no family history or smoking habits, Dan began to fight for his life.
Since Dan’s diagnoses, he has started the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation.
“Our [National Collegiate Cancer Foundation] mission is to provide services and support to young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Dan wrote. “Our goal is to help these survivors and their families establish a ‘Will Win’ attitude in their fight.”
In October of 2007, my teammates and I played in the “Waeger Cup” to help raise money for Dan’s organization. Dan spoke out before teeing off about his fight and how there are “Nearly 70,000 young adults in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with cancer each year.”
The Waeger CUP, with CUP standing for Cancer of Unknown Primary, is a golf tournament played at Royal Oaks CC in Lebanon, PA. In 2007, there were 120 golfers who participated in the event as well as donated money for the NCCF.
After completing the Waeger Cup, the men and women’s golf team of McDaniel College decided to apply for Affinity Housing. Our hope was to give back to Dan Waeger for all he has done. Also, we wanted to make the students of McDaniel aware of how deadly cancer is in our world.
“The proceeds from the Waeger C.U.P. and your donations provide deserving young adults fighting cancer with $1,000 scholarships to stay in school,” Waeger wrote in a recent email. “These students have displayed bravery, determination, and unwavering faith in their fight against cancer. Their winning attitudes are infectious and their stories are inspiring. Reading the applications is both sad and rewarding at the same time.
“It is sad to hear so many personal struggles and know that there are so many other young adults facing a tough diagnosis in cancer,” the email continued. “Last year, very few applicants were diagnosed with an early stage cancer, and over 25% were diagnosed stage IV, just like myself. Their situations are dire, yet it is so rewarding and inspiring to see their displays of strength, determination, and ‘Will Win’ attitudes through such a trying time.
Dan Waeger is still going through treatment today and is fighting the same battle from 2005. After Dan found out his diagnoses, he stated, “I am going to die. Well that has to change.” Two years later, the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation is growing and sharing their message to have a Will Win attitude.
More information go to www.collegiatecancer.org or email at danwaeger@collegiatecancer.org.