Sports

Cancer Surviver, RMU Defensive End Organizes Blood Drive

A Hopewell native and member of RMU's football roster has planned a blood drive.

Tyler Potts was a senior at Hopewell Area High School when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

For Potts, now 22, the diagnosis meant a change of plans. The football standout was sidelined for the Vikings' undefeated 2009 season, while he instead battled with his illness during his senior year.

Cancer also meant putting his college football dreams on hold.

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"I dropped down to under 200 pounds—which is small for me," Potts said. "I had to start from square one. I was trying to get scholarships to go to school and play football, but no one was talking to me (as a result of the illness)." 

Football brought Potts to the Moon Township-based Robert Morris University, where he transferred after attending Geneva College for two years. He made the switch in 2012, debuting on the Colonials' roster last fall. 

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The junior sports management major has made a full recovery from cancer in recent months. He finished his chemotherapy treatments in October and was given a clean bill of health following a recent doctor's visit, he said. 

"Cancer put everything into prospective," Potts said. "Just one thing can change everything dramatically. It makes you appreciate your health." 

Just months after his recovery, Potts has worked to organize a blood drive at RMU's John Jay gymnasium. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 

The drive will benefit Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. For those who cannot donate blood, members of the Colonials football team will also collect new books and toys for the hospital's young patients. 

Items can be donated at the blood drive or during the Colonials' spring game, held at 1 a.m. April 20 at Joe Walton Stadium in Moon. Those interested in participating can also drop off items at the university's football office, located on the second floor of the stadium. 

Members of RMU's football team will present the gifts to students at the hospital, Potts said. 

Potts, who played football in the fall while undergoing chemotherapy, said his teammates have rallied behind his cause.

"Having cancer impacted me a lot," Potts said. "I just wanted to do something to give back." 


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