Josh Hagene considers himself fortunate. Two years ago, while a senior at East Kentwood (Michigan) High School, a suspicion of a soccer injury led to a diagnosis of testicular cancer.
Today, after surgery and two weeks of chemotherapy, Josh is healthy and the leading scorer for the nationally ranked Hope College men's soccer team.
Supporting the Saturday, Sept. 20 Purple Games at Hope to support Van Andel Institute's research efforts means a lot to the sophomore forward from Caledonia.
"I'm happy to do it this year," Josh said. "Being a cancer survivor myself, I know what the battle is like. To be able to raise money for those who also are fighting the battle and being able to give it to such a great institute like Van Andel Institute is an honor."
Hope hosts Adrian at 7 p.m. Saturday at Van Andel Soccer Stadium as part of a day-night Purple Games doubleheader to support Van Andel Institute.
Click here to read about freshman player Allie Wittenbach's drive to support at Van Andel Institute.
The Flying Dutchmen will don purple on game day. Fans are encouraged to wear purple.
Proceeds will benefit Van Andel Institute and will help underwrite a summer internship for a Hope student at Van Andel Institute.
The battle against cancer is for everyone, Josh said.
"It really does not discriminate against any group, any gender or any race. I think every single person knows someone either in his or her family or among their friends who has gone through it," Josh said. "It's such a huge disease and a huge problem in our society. If there were a cure, so many people living with cancer would be healed."
Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld said Hope is excited to once again partner with Van Andel Institute on Purple Games.
"There is a tradition of mutual support and appreciation between Hope College and the Van Andel family and the Institute," Schoonveld said. "We are looking forward to a great day celebrating the impact that both Hope College and Van Andel Institute have in this community."
Support the event by making a donation on the Purple Community website.
About Purple Community – Purple Community-100% HopeSM is Van Andel Institute's grassroots fundraising initiative which connects people who want to join the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's, to the resources needed for action. It provides individualized tools and customized support to people who want to create awareness and fundraising opportunities in their communities. Purple Community gives local action global potential. All fundraising and awareness activities organized through Purple Community fund research and science education at Van Andel Institute. Find out more about Purple Community by visiting www.PurpleCommunity.org 100% to Research, Discovery & Hope®.
About Van Andel Institute - Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. This is accomplished through the work of over 200 researchers in more than 20 on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Find out more about Van Andel Institute by visiting www.vai.org 100% to Research, Discovery & Hope®.
