Patricia Lee, Founder-CEO
2005 American Cancer Society
Life Inspiration Award Winner
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Cheering Section This page is dedicated to our present College Scholarship Winner We consider each and every one of them Ambassadors for our Athletes Kickin' Cancer program
Congratulations to Our 2008 College Scholarship Award Winner
Tom and Ann and his brother, Ben #25 Tom will attend Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania
The following is part of the letter written by Coach Robert Hart regarding you will easily understand why he was selected as our 3rd annual Champion of Scroll down to also, read our personal interview with Tom.
Champion of Life” Award Committee; " It is my honor to submit Thomas Cermak for consideration of the “Champion of Life” College Scholarship Award. I have had the pleasure of watching Tom grow as a player, student, and person the past three years. How do you summarize an individual’s personality, inner spirit, desire, passion and most importantly heart in mere words on a couple of pieces of paper? It seems to me that I need to talk about three people; Tom the cancer survivor, Tom the player, and finally Tom the person. Tom the cancer survivor has Thyroid Cancer that was diagnosed in April of 2005. What was originally scheduled as a minor, routine surgery to remove a small nodule on Tom’s thyroid changed his life and his family’s life forever. The Cermak family was told that if there was any sign of cancer, the entire thyroid would be removed, but this was highly unlikely because of Tom’s young age, and the lack of family history. The 20 minute procedure took approximately five hours. Not only was Tom’s entire thyroid covered in cancer, cancer had also attacked his vocal cord, as well as 25 surrounding lymph nodes, all of which tested positive for cancer as well. (Thyroid cancer ultimately spreads to the lungs and bones). Tom’s entire thyroid was removed, as well as his parathyroid glands. Parathyroid glands are responsible for the body’s calcium supply. Without them, calcium must be monitored very carefully. Without the proper amount of calcium in the blood, aside from the obvious bone density issues, calcium is needed by every organ for proper function. If blood calcium slips too low, seizures are likely. Tom must take thyroid pills to replace his thyroid’s function, as well as prescription vitamin D and Calcium pills to replace the parathyroid’s function. Four weeks after the Thyroidectomy, Tom underwent his first Radioactive Iodine treatment. By this time, his body was deprived for four weeks of it’s natural thyroid function, and as a result, Tom was exhausted. The treatment is in the form of a (huge) pill. Several blood tests are performed at the time of treatment, the results of the blood work, and body scan are tabulated, and collectively used to make a prognosis. The Radioactive Iodine pill is to kill any remaining thyroid cancer cells. This treatment requires the patient to be isolated for three to four days. During this time, the patient can only eat from plates and silverware that must be destroyed. No one can get closer to the patient than 10 feet, because the radiation in the pill will cause thyroid cancer in anyone with a healthy thyroid. Tom wasn’t feeling well, and was alone. His parents could only talk through the door at a safe distance. This particular time really took a toll on him. His grades suffered severely, as he missed a lot of school. On two separate occasions that following summer, Tom underwent additional biopsy surgery for suspected cancerous lymph nodes in his neck. Thankfully, both biopsies were negative. Six months later, while his football team was preparing for their first play off game, Tom was also preparing for another treatment. This time, he had to completely go off his thyroid pills for six weeks. The first four, he was on a very low dose of a different thyroid medication, however, the last two weeks, he had no thyroid hormones in his body. Healthy people don’t think about this, but the thyroid is responsible for giving us the will to get out of bed in the morning. Symptoms Tom endured were inability to maintain body temperature, very little energy, moodiness, and inability to focus or absorb his school work. The first day of the two week period without thyroid medication was the day of the play off game. Football gave Tom the will to push on, practice hard, and never give up. Amazingly, he never missed a game. It was a week before Thanksgiving, 2005 that Tom had his second treatment, and again, had to be isolated through the holiday weekend, in order not to miss school. Once the treatment was complete, Tom was able to continue his meds, however, it takes 3-4 weeks until the body begins to build up enough of the thyroid hormone to begin to feel normal. Tom pushed on, and continued his second sport “Wrestling”. Last summer, Tom was able to try a different method of preparation for the scan. Instead of going off his meds for six weeks, there was a series of shots available to “trick” his body into thinking it had been deprived of thyroid hormone for six weeks. This enabled Tom to miss very little work. Again, the scan results were favorable, however this year, Tom is to go off his medication again to compare the results of the two scans. There are still cancerous antibodies present. These antibodies are dropping at a very low rate; slow enough that there has always been the possibility of a recurrence. Tom has never been considered “Cancer Free”. He knows there is a possibility of recurrence. Hopefully, things will continue to progress in his favor, and soon, he will be considered “Cancer Free.” Tom the player, was something to behold. Tom started at varsity level several years before the typical starter. While his youth caused mistakes early, his tenacity and desire drove him to become a key piece of our team. Tom never complained, never stopped working at getting better, and became a leader. His leadership was not by mouth but by action. Tom was voted team captain and had a huge impact on both our team leadership and team success. The line always rallied around Tom and looked to him in key situations. As a staff, we were very fortunate to find a player that could control two gaps at one time. Other teams found it very difficult to run against him. By his senior year, teams had to game plan how to stop him. His development and impact as a player was evident as the recognition and awards began to be bestowed; 2006 1St Team All Region Offense
2007 Iron Man Award Tom was chosen to play in the City/County All Star Game in July and will continue his football career for the Thiel Tomcats in the fall. Finally, Tom the person! I have never met a kid with so much reason to be bitter or even have excuses due to an illness. After reading about his treatments, it is amazing he could put on pads and battle in the heat. Let alone, be a dominant force and a true team captain. This is not the case with Tom. He does not understand the word quit. Whether, it is a new play at practice, a bad night down by several touchdowns, or an illness, Tom will not quit, will not stop, and gives it every ounce of energy he has. Tom is a prankster and loves to laugh. He is always finding humor in just about everything he does. He takes the time to recognize the people around him and is more appreciative of his opportunities. He takes the time to help out at our mini-camps for younger children. Even something as simple as recognizing a little fan is important to Tom. My son always thought it was special if Tom winked at him or said something in passing on his way to the field. Personally, this is where I connect with him the most. As a teenager, I am not sure if I could have handled the situation, as well as Tom? As a coach, I needed him on the field in all key situations. As a person I needed him to remind me of how important every moment is. I know that in the end Tom will be able to say he overcame obstacles and became a success story. I just wonder if he will be able to realize how many lives he touched doing it ?"
Seneca High School Varsity Football Player Our 2008 College Scholarship Award Winner!
Tom is an inspiration to me and I know will be to all who read his story. I can not imagine facing Hang in there, Tom! I know you are still keeping up the fight and will have many more football stories to tell! GO TOMCATS! Keep The Faith! Sincerely, Alex Avram, Sportswriter
"I am blessed. What worked for me may not work for anyone else. I know that if I did not have sports to keep me motivated, I may have been tempted to stop trying or even stop caring." ....... Tom Cermak
1. What were your first thoughts upon hearing your diagnosis?
When I awoke after surgery, my parents were crying. My dad never cries, so I knew something was definitely wrong. The doctor told me that my thyroid and parathyroids had been removed, and that I had cancer. I was scared. I couldn’t believe what they were saying to me. I wondered I would still be able to do all the things that I loved to do, or if I would have to give them up completely. I was scared about the treatments.
2. What were some of your short and long term concerns?
Short term concerns: I wondered how long I would have to be in the hospital, I wondered how long I would have to be out of school. I was nervous about the treatment, and what I would feel like without a thyroid. I was concerned because I didn’t know if I would ever feel the same again. Long term concerns: I was concerned about if I would ever get caught up with my school work. I was worried that I may have to repeat 9th Grade if I stayed out of school too long. I wondered if I would ever be as strong as I used to be. Would I be strong enough to be a good athlete. I worried about whether or not I would even be able to play football in college.
3. How do you feel being an athlete or more particularly a football player, help you through your treatments?
Participating in sports helped me to stay strong during the preparation for treatment. I had to go off my thyroid medication to prepare for treatment. The thyroid medication really is responsible for a lot of my strength. When I was off my medication, I made sure that I never missed a practice or weight lifting training. Even though I didn’t feel strong, practice and weight lifting really gave me more energy to get through the day. The discipline of my schedule during practice and games really helped. Participating in games during this time helped me to feel more like everyone else on the team. When I put on my pads, I found the strength to play the game.
4. What was the reaction of your teammates and how were they supportive?
My teammates were great. They were concerned about what was happening to me, but just being able to spend time with them made me feel better. When I was isolated during treatment, they called to see how I was doing. I didn’t feel so alone, knowing they cared.
5. Tell us about your coaches, how they were supportive and what they expected of you during this time?
My coaches were really supportive. They really tried to make sure I didn’t overdo it. They told me to take as much time as I needed to heal. It didn’t take them long to realize that I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines and watch my team work. I got back as quickly as possible.
6. I know you also participated with wrestling. How do you feel this helped you during your recovery?
I actually had to prepare for treatments during football and wrestling because of the schedule of the treatments. I never missed wrestling practice, no matter how tired I became. Wrestling practice also kept me strong for treatment.
7. Did you ever once consider giving up sports and if so, what changed your mind and if not, then, what was it that made you want to continue?
I was so happy when the doctor told me that after I healed, there was no reason I couldn’t participate. I was so grateful that I never had to consider giving up sports, that I really didn’t care how hard I had to work.
8. Tell us about your favorite football and/or wrestling memory during your illness?
My favorite football memory during my illness was when my football team made it to the playoffs for the first time in history. I had just completed the four week preparation for treatment that included taking a very low dose thyroid hormone, and was on the first day of the two week period of not taking any thyroid medication. I played the whole game on the Offensive and Defensive line. We lost the game, but I was so happy to be there.
I began wrestling during 9th Grade, and because our team was so small, I started as a varsity wrestler. After three years of wrestling varsity, I made it to the District level competition at the end of the season. I won one match at Districts, but lost two others, and wasn’t able to advance. I was very happy to be there.
9. Are you religious and if so, what role did that play in your recovery?
I am religious. I pray every day. So many people were praying for me the entire time. Many of them continue to pray for me every day. My name was added to prayer lists at several churches. God has blessed me with family and friends who love me, and most importantly, my health.
10. Tell us about the support of your friends and family?
My family is very supportive. My mom is always with me at every doctor’s visit, taking notes and asking questions. My dad and brother are also very supportive. I received so many cards for weeks after my surgery from family and friends. The day after my surgery, Erie, PA got a late season snow storm on April 2, 2005. Schools were closed, power was out, and we had feet of snow that fell. My friend Levi, and his brother Hunter had their dad drive them 25 miles to the hospital to visit me as soon as the roads were cleared. My football coach from 5th Grade came to see me every day. His wife made food for my family, and baked cookies for me. So many people came to visit me as soon as I got home from the hospital. It felt so good to know that so many people care.
11. I know the isolation period had to be an extrememly difficult time. What did you do to keep depression at bay?
I watched a lot of game films and wrestling matches. I talked to my friends on the phone. I really tried not to think about what was happening. I focused on all of the things I was looking forward to doing after the isolation period was over.
12. I am sure you are excited about playing college football. Tell us about the coaches and the team where you will be playing and what is it about playing for that team that you are looking forward to the most?
I will be playing football for Thiel College this fall. I am so excited to be part of their team. The coaching staff is really approachable and personable. I am excited to learn from them. The thing I am looking forward to most is the first game I get to play for the Tomcats. I will be very proud to be on the field during a game as part of the team.
13. What advice do you have for young boys who want to work toward getting a scholarship to play college football or wrestling?
High School goes a lot faster than you think. Never miss an opportunity to improve your performance in the classroom or on the field. There is always room for improvement. You can always get faster and stronger. Having supportive coaches who help you gain recognition is always helpful.
14. What advice do you have for any young athlete out there who may be experiencing the same adversities you have had? How can they stay strong and not give up their sport?
It’s not easy. If you love your sport, and are able to play, take the opportunity and run with it! Never give up. Always try harder. Believe in yourself, and you can do anything. If you don’t give up, you will never have to wonder what would have happened if you had continued with your sport.
15. What else would you like for everyone to know about your experience beating cancer, in general, and/or while playing sports?
Every day is a gift. Don’t waste a minute. Never give up. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
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