Pitt's James Conner Ready To Get Back To His Teammates After Beating Cancer
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- All-America running back James Conner was an unstoppable force for the Pitt Panthers, until he faced the battle of his life.
Last November, Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, requiring a dozen chemotherapy treatments at the Hillman Center.
He was treated by Dr. Stanley Marks, a UPMC oncologist, who says his celebrity patient asked to be treated the same as all the rest.
"Throughout his treatment, he would walk around and talk to other patients and give them hope and inspiration," Dr. Marks told a Tuesday morning news conference. "He's really remarkable."
"I love helping others and stuff, so this is a great opportunity for me to give hope," Conner responded.
His final treatment was May 10. After that, it was a matter of waiting. A scan this past Monday would tell the story.
Twenty minutes after they left the clinic, Conner and his mom received a call from Dr. Marks.
"He called and said, 'James, everything looks normal.' At that point, there was just so much relief," Conner said. "Big weight off my shoulders. Now I can go back to doing what I love."
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
The entire city reached out, as he threw the first pitch on Pirates' Opening Day. Now he longs to get back on his own turf.
"That's what I care about the most, is my teammates. I'm so ready to suit up, and come out of the tunnel with those guys, you know. That feeling is amazing. Can't wait for that," Conner said.
Dr. Marks said it's unlikely the cancer will ever come back. In the meantime, Conner's in good hands.
