PITTSBURGH — University of Pittsburgh running back James Conner addressed the media Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after receiving the news that his Hodgkin’s lymphoma is gone.
“I knew that one day I'd be able to tell you, you know, cancer survivor,” Conner said after an event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at the Duquesne Club.
The 2014 ACC Player of the Year described the moment he learned he was cancer-free.
“At that point, it was so much relief, big weight off my shoulders. And now I can get back to doing what I love,” he said.
Conner should soon be able to practice without restrictions with his Panther teammates.
His doctor, Dr. Stanley Marks, said that if a scan is clean at the end of therapy, there is only a small chance that the cancer will reoccur.
Marks said he will miss seeing Conner at the Lemieux Cancer Center.
“The day he came in, there was more excitement and chatter, and I say he really served as an inspiration to other patients,” Marks said.
Conner said he will continue to do that.
“I like being in this light because I like helping others, and an opportunity to give hope,” Conner said.
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