USD coach beats cancer, community celebrates

Darrin Hall / Staff Writer / The USD Vista

Qualcomm Stadium hosted a fundraising event to fight against the devastating effects of Leukemia and Lymphoma. The event occurred Oct. 24, and is part of a nationwide campaign sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society known as the “Light the Night Walk.”

The organization celebrated its 10th year of raising money for the research against the deadly diseases. Amongst the crowd were many students, student-athletes and faculty from USD who were there to support the cause and honor one of the special guests of the evening, USD men’s tennis coach Tom Hagedorn.

Hagedorn was diagnosed with Leukemia in September 2007, and after an intensive first week of treatment, he was notified that he would probably not live for more than 24 hours. What happened during those next 24 hours was deemed a medical miracle. Hagedorn fought during his first night and remarkably, his condition took a turn for the better.

Doctors and nurses appropriately named Hagedron “The Miracle Man.” He stayed in the hospital for about three more weeks until he was able to leave veral oxygen tanks. In less than a couple of days, Hagedron had gained the strength to walk without his walker and breathe without the use of oxygen tanks.

Hagedron continues his recovery and volunteers weekly at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In an interview with the local NBC affiliate in San Diego, Hagedorn spoke of his disease and how he was able to battle through it. He attributes a great amount of credit to his health, support from his family and friends, and also a fortunate blood match with his sister, which allowed for a healthy recovery. In turn, Hagedron recognizes that positive steps are being made towards fighting the disease, but that more work still needs to be done.

The “Light the Night” event was highlighted by music performances from Ryan Ferguson and Heavy Flow. Since the “Light the Night” campaign began, over $40 million has been dispersed through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to patients who could not otherwise afford treatment. Overall, $425 million has been donated to top scientists in the field to go towards research, improved treatment programs and cures for Leukemia and Lymphoma.