Cancer Research Saved Her Life
I often wonder how different her story would have been if she’d had this cancer 30 years ago. Thanks to advances in cancer research, my friend is still here today, thriving and helping others as a nurse.
Together, let’s hammer cancer!
In high school, my friend faced a rare bone cancer, undergoing intense treatment that left a lasting impact on me. Her resilience taught me the power of support. Cancer research helped her survive, and now she's thriving. Today, I believe that just as an athlete needs a team, researchers need us. By supporting cancer research, we can drive progress and change lives.
Ethan Katzberg
Olympic Champion
Ambassador of Cancer Research Society
While I’m known as a hammer throw Olympic champion, today I want to share something much more personal. When I was in high school, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer—Ewing sarcoma—in her arm.
The diagnosis
I still remember when she accidentally broke her arm after an awkward fall in PE class. Later, I found myself sitting casually on a trampoline with my best friends when she broke the news of her diagnosis and the intense treatment that would follow:
- Bone cancer
- 16 rounds of chemotherapy
- 25 rounds of radiation
- 8 major surgeries to rebuild her arm (thanks to a bone donor)
- Over a year of treatment
A new feeling for me
It was a new, almost surreal feeling. I’d never imagined cancer affecting someone so close to me at such a young age. I wanted to help, but at that time, all I could really do was join her on small walks to help keep her spirits up.
And you know what? She was as positive as anyone could be. That experience taught me a lesson I still carry with me in every sphere of my life.
When she began chemo, one of my best friends shaved his head in solidarity. On my end, I promised I would grow my hair to my shoulders with her when her treatment was complete—and I still have those long locks today!
A Community Against Cancer
As I’ve grown, it’s become clear that cancer affects nearly everyone in some way; it’s rare to meet someone who hasn’t been touched by it, whether it’s a family member, friend, or partner. But that also means it’s something we can all rally together to fight.
When I think about what we can do as a community, I think about the power of people pushing forward together. Just as I rely on the support of my team—my coach, my family, my friends—researchers rely on us to help them keep going. It’s not about one person or one donation; it’s about a community coming together. If hundreds, even thousands, of us contribute, every donation adds up.
By supporting cancer research, we’re not only funding essential projects; we’re helping to change lives. We’re empowering researchers to make real, impactful progress. I may not be able to conduct research myself, but I can stand behind the people who do. So I ask you to join me.
Together, we can outsmart hammer cancer.