I'm overwhelmed at the generosity and love shown Saturday at Perkins Stadium

My mind is still spinning uncontrollably in the wake of Saturday’s Team Tom Cancer Fundraiser in conjunction with the Warhawk football game vs. UW-River Falls at Perkins Stadium.

I’m told that over $10-thousand has been raised through the incredible effort of former UW-Whitewater football coach Bob Berezowitz, UW-Whitewater Athletic Director Paul Plinske and Assistant Athletic Director/Marketing and External Relations Leah Thyne along with Jim Vreizen, Shane Sparks, Gary Douglas, Arnie Peck and the staff of KOOL 106.5 Radio.

To the many that came up to me to personally express best wishes and good luck during my ongoing battle against cancer – THANK YOU! Your words are incredibly uplifting to both me and my family.

And to my wonderful daughter Kim and her family, thank you so much for being hand-in-hand with me at Saturday’s game. You gave me the strength to make it through an incredibly emotional day for me.

To the fans of UW-Whitewater football, I will never be able to adequately express in words the love that I, along with my family, felt through the incredible generosity that you showed towards me at Saturday’s game.

The emotion of the day came crashing down on me during that end of the third quarter on field “ceremony.” As I looked up into the stands during the ceremony an incredible feeling of love and family overwhelmed my soul. It has reinforced my will to beat this terrible disease.

Again – thank you and GO WARHAWKS!

Daily Jefferson County Union & Janesville Gazette publish articles on Tom Pattison's battle against cancer

I've a number of professional friends in my 25-plus years of broadcasting here in southern Wisconsin. Jeff Seisser, sports editor at the Daily Jefferson County Union in Fort Atkinson and Tom Miller, sports writer with the Janesville Gazette both published feature articles on my current bout with colorectal cancer and a fundraiser that will be held on Saturday in conjunction with UW-Whitewater's Family Day football game vs. UW-River Falls at Perkins Stadium.

The following story written by Jeff Seisser appeared in the October 4, 2012 edition of the Daily Jefferson County Union:

Tom Pattison is UW-Whitewater

While he never caught a touchdown pass at Perkins Stadium, shot a jumper in Kachel Gymnasium, or hit a home run out of Jim Miller Stadium, he very well broadcast every single monumental Warhawk moment that occurred over the past 20-plus years.

Known simply as "Voice," Pattison's golden pipes have been a bit silenced due to health reasons, including his latest battle - cancer.

This Saturday will be "Team Tom Cancer Day" as the local university will help give back to one of their family members in an effort to help offset Pattison's increasing medical bills.

The three-time defending national champion Warhawks host UW-River Falls in a 2 p.m. kickoff at Perkins Stadium.

The event will coincide with Family Day, which has produced some of the biggest crowds to watch Warhawk football games in recent years.

"I'm totally humbled and overwhelmed," said Pattison. "I used to cry every time it was brought up, but now I'm getting better with it; it's a weird situation."

Football, above all over Warhawk sports, has been Pattison's passion. Warhawkfootball.com debuted in September, 2003.

"When Mount Union started winning and had a website dedicated to football, he said we needed to start one. It was his idea, and I was all for it," said former Warhawk head football coach Bob Berezowitz. "Mount Union's (site) is down, and his is still going."

Currently, the site has over 1.7 million hits.

"All I wanted to do was put a face on these players.

"Tom has been a valuable part of Warhawk football," said UW-Whitewater head football coach Lance Leipold. "Our exposure has been expanded in a lot of ways, but Tom was there before any of that happened. He's continued to get the stories out there covering all the areas of Warhawk football."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he battles this," said Leipold.

The Janesville Gazette also posted a story in Thursday's edition. The story was written by veteran sports writer Tom Miller.

UW-Whitewater to rally around long-time announcer

Tom Pattison was there to help raise money when Edgerton native and UW-Whitewater graduate Jay Baker lost his legs after a drunken driver hit his motorcycle in 2003.

In 2010, Pattison played a major part in collecting contributions to help former two-time All-American linebacker A.J. Raebel in his recovery from testicular cancer.

Now the 60-year-old Pattison, who was the play-by-play announcer for Warhawk athletic events for nearly a quarter of a century, is the one in need.

Pattison was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in May. He underwent surgery at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital, but doctors could not remove the entire tumor. He just began his second round of chemotherapy, which leaves him dehydrated and tired.

On Saturday, UW-Whitewater will attempt to repay Pattison for his many hours of dedication to Warhawk athletics by accepting donations before and during Whitewater's WIAC football game against UW-River Falls at Perkins Stadium.

"It's humbling to be on the other side of it," Pattison said Wednesday. "I always did my darndest with my website (to help others). Now it's me, and I'm not sure how to react."

Team Tom Cancer Fundraiser to be held in conjunction with Warhawk game on Saturday at Perkins Stadium

Tom Pattison – longtime broadcaster of UW-Whitewater football, basketball and baseball has broadcast many sports battles in his nearly 25 years calling games on WFAW and KOOL 106.5. This Fall Pattison is facing his own battle – the battle against colon cancer.

Pattison has already gone through the initial stage of chemotherapy and radiation with the second and heavier dose of chemo just underway. This phase will be conducted over the next four months.

The follow-up C-Scan following the first phase shows that the tumor has shrunk significantly but a portion still remains. The current chemo will hopefully continue to have a positive impact on the tumor along with destroying any “seeds” that may be attempting to form in Pattison’ s lymph nodes.

“Tom was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer back in May and surgery took place two days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital,” Berezowitz told WFAW and KOOL 106.5 Radio in Fort Atkinson. “Tom has acquired staggering medical bills (in excess of $150-thousand) and we look to be able to raise some money as part of the Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive.”

”Tom has ‘bled purple’ for nearly a quarter century being actively involved in publicizing UW-Whitewater athletic events,” Berezowitz said. “Now is a time for us to assist a man in need.”

Pattison debuted his popular Warhawkfootball.com Website in September of 2003 as a way to promote Warhawk football 365 days a year.

”Warhawkfootball.com was Tom’s idea and he did it for one reason – his love for UW-Whitewater football and other athletic teams on campus,” Berezowitz told the Fort Atkinson radio station. “His main goal is to promote the local student-athletes to the general public.”

Berezowitz along with KOOL 106.5 are in charge of the fundraising event that will take place on Saturday as part of Family Fest and the Warhawk football game with UW-River Falls at Perkins Stadium.

”We’ve been able to get a number of autographed football helmets that will be raffled off on Saturday,” Berezowitz said. “We expect to have helmets from the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and of course the UW-Whitewater Warhawks.”

Saturday’s event is part of the Team Tom Cancer Fund that was established last month at Commercial Bank in Whitewater. If you are not planning to be at Saturday’s Warhawk football game you may make a donation to the Team Tom Cancer Fund and either drop off the check at Commercial Bank located in downtown Whitewater. You can also mail your donation to Commercial Bank, 200 South Freemont Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190.

Special guests expected at Saturday's game are the world famous Klement's Racing Sausages wbo will be challenging UW-Whitewater mascot, Willie Warhawk, in the annual "loser leaves town" halftime challenge race.

Kickoff on Saturday at Perkins Stadium will be 2:05 p.m.

More on this event will be posted here on Warhawkfootball.com later in the week.

Phase 2 of my battle with cancer is underway

It has been a nervous past 10 days in my current battle with cancer. My follow-up C-Scan was performed last week following my initial radiation and chemo-therapy treatments.

My oncologist, Dr. Amit Sanyal, indicated to me last Wednesday that the “numbers” look good and we’re going in the right direction. With that said he had me start my second series of chemo treatments. These will be much stronger than the original treatment.

My original treatment was all done via CADD computer on a continuous seven day a week basis.

The new chemo is much stronger as it will attack any cancer cells that may have made it into my lymph nodes.

I was lucky and didn’t have serious side effects from my initial chemo with the exception of getting fatigued. I don’t think I’m going to be as lucky this time around. I suffered severe dehydration for the first 48 hours of the new treatment that required five hours of fluids being injected into my body.

While I maintain that “day at a time” attitude in fighting this terrible disease, the emotional and physical “ups and downs” can be extremely taxing.

A photo of me along with Arnie Peck (center) and Gary Douglas (right) was taken at Saturday night’s Back to the 60’s – Bob Berezowitz Day reception at Randy’s Restaurant.

I look at the photo and worry that maybe I’m not strong enough to win this battle.

A look back at AJ Raebel's successful battle against cancer

(In the adjacent photo - AJ and Lissa Raebel - Facebook photo)

With a lot of love from his family and friends, A.J. has beat the odds and “beat cancer.”

(Editor’s Note: A special day for Tom Pattison is coming up on Saturday, October 6, as part of UW-Whitewater’s Family Day football game vs. UW-River Falls at Perkins Stadium.

The event coincides with the Team Tom Cancer Fund that has been established through Commercial Bank in Whitewater. Donations may be sent to: Team Tom Cancer Fund, c/o Commercial Bank, 200 South Freemont St. Whitewater, WI 53190.

The following story documents former UW-Whitewater linebacker, AJ Raebel’s 2009/2010 battle against cancer and the support he received from the UW-Whitewater community.)

Former UW-Whitewater linebacker A.J. Raebel faced many battles “head-on” while attending UW-Whitewater. It was in the weeks following graduation when the Cary, Illinois native faced the biggest battle of his life – a battle for survival against testicular cancer.

Raebel faced an uphill battle, battling the odds, following surgery along with chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Bob Berezowitz, who coached Raebel for three years at UW-Whitewater, said Raebel’s confidence helped him get through this difficult period.

“I think it shows his determination,” Berezowitz told UW-Whitewater’s Royal Purple student newspaper. “He fought it right away and kept a positive mindset.”

The UW-Whitewater community refused to let A.J. face “the battle of his life” alone.

Over 450 friends of A.J. Raebel, fans of Warhawk football, and supportive members of the community came to Kachel Gym in Williams Center for the CURE 33 benefit Wednesday, March 10. The benefit, to help the former UW-W all-American linebacker and member of the 2007 national championship team, raised money to help in his battle against cancer.

“The event was a huge success as Warhawk alumni and fans from all over came back to support AJ in his fight against cancer,” UW-W director of athletics Paul Plinske said following the event. “While AJ’s prognosis is very good, he still has an inordinate amount of expenses that insurance won’t cover. It is a testament to the Warhawk family that we were able to generate over $12,000 for AJ”.

“The money was a lifesaver,” Raebel said. “Just the support and compassion made dealing with it easier. It was absolutely incredible. I can’t thank the Whitewater community enough.”

Fast forwarding, A.J. and wife Lissa are happy and living extremely successful lives. A.J. currently teaches eighth grade at the Waukesha STEM Academy and coaches football at Waukesha South High School.

A special thank you to Diane Raebel, AJ’s mom, for publicizing the Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive and the Oct. 6th event on D3football.com chat rooms around the country!

Team Tom Cancer Fund established

(Editor’s Note: Longtime radio voice of UW-Whitewater football, Tom Pattison, continues to fight his ongoing battle with cancer at day at a time. Currently Tom is between a first and second round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Dr. Paul Plinske and Bob Berezowitz have requested that the following story be published here on the Warhawkfootball.com Newswire)

As many of you already know, I have been battling stage-two colon cancer for the past couple months and I continue to focusing on taking this fight “a day at a time.” I continue to spend many of my days either at my computer or watching a Warhawk football practice developing stories to keep UW-Whitewater fans up to date on the Warhawks.

I must admit that this disease has sapped a lot of my energy but my passion to keep fans updated on UW-Whitewater football has been some of the best therapy according to my doctors.

With hospital and medical bills now approaching 200-thousand dollars the small fund drive implemented by my daughter Kimberlee has been rolled into the Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive that was launched earlier this month by former Warhawk football coach Bob Berezowitz, UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske and the longtime radio home of Warhawk football – KOOL 106.5.

It is immensely embarrassing and humbling to have such a fund drive established for me. I must admit the impact of this bout with cancer has staggered me greatly.

I want to publicly thank Bob, Paul, Jim, Shane, and my daughter Kim for the unbelievable generosity and effort in assisting in the Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive and a enormous thank you to all that have already donated or are considering donating to this fund drive. It is difficult to come up with words to express my gratitude!!

Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive established

Once a Warhawk, always a Warhawk are the often spoken words by Tom Pattison, longtime “voice” of the Warhawks. Over the many years of broadcasting UW-Whitewater football, basketball and baseball games on KOOL 106.5 (and prior to that (940 WFAW), Tom has “bled purple” during each one of his broadcasts.

Unfortunately, on May 28, 2012 Tom was diagnosed with advanced stage 2 colon cancer. He underwent colorectal cancer surgery in Fort Atkinson and in the process has developed astronomical hospital and medical bills.

Tom has already gone through the first phase of radiation treatment at the UW Cancer Clinic along with chemotherapy with phase two starting later this month.

Tom has given his heart and soul to Warhawk athletics over his 25 years of living here in southern Wisconsin. He served six years as the president of the UW-Whitewater Quarterback Club and still serves on the club’s board of directors.

In 2003 Tom founded Warhawkfootball.com where Warhawk fans, players, former players and parents have been able to view up-to-date Warhawk football news and information 365 days a year. Nearly 1.5 million visitors have clicked onto the Website over the years.

The Website that has been funded entirely by Tom has been a popular “voice” for Warhawk football fans not only locally but around the world.

Well now Tom needs your assistance in his battle with cancer.

With the help and leadership of UW-Whitewater Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Paul Plinke and former Warhawk football coach Bob Berezowitz and KOOL 106.5 Radio a team has been set up to lead a campaign to raise funds for Tom.

The Team Tom Cancer Fund has been established through Commercial Bank in Whitewater and is now accepting donations.

Donations may be sent to: Team Tom Cancer Fund, c/o Commercial Bank, 200 South Freemont St., Whitewater, WI 53190

The fund raising drive will also include Tom Pattison Day at Perkins Stadium on Oct. 6, 2012. More details will be announced shortly.

“I have known Tom for many years while coaching and now in retirement,” Berezowitz said. “There is not another person who has given more of himself to help promote UW-Whitewater football. He is always writing articles for both past and present players that are published on his Website.

It is now our turn to say “thank you” for his efforts by considering making a donation to help assist Tom in his time of need.

“Once again I’m asking all Warhawk fans, parents, and players that have worn the purple and white uniform to consider making a contribution to the fund drive. Together we can make this happen! As the old saying goes - Once a Warhawk, Always a Warhawk!!

Radiation & Chemo underway: So far, so Good

I have completed my first week of radiation and chemotherapy treatment for my colorectal cancer. My Oncologist, Dr. Amit Sanyal, told me Friday afternoon that my weekly blood lab results are encouraging.

I drive to Johnson Creek five days a week for my 11:30 a.m. radiation treatment at the UW-Cancer Clinic. The daily treatment lasts approximately ten minutes.

My chemotherapy is administered through a Cadd-Plus 5400 infusion pump that I have strapped to my right hip.

The computerized pump allows for two doses of 5-FU (5-Fluorourcil) per hour to automatically be infused into a port that was surgically placed into the upper right quadrant of my chest.

Both radiation and chemo do include a number of possible side effects including fatigue. Through the first five days I have not detected any of the side effects. Yah!!!!!!

My initial schedule includes six consecutive weeks of radiation and chemo. At that time Dr. Sanyal will determine if I may need additional weeks of treatment.

The one thing that I’ve learned throughout this process has been the wonderful people at the Dean Fort Atkinson Specialty Clinic, UW-Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek along with the great folks at the Fort Health Care’s Radiology and Blood Lab departments. Also a huge thanks to Katie and the gang at Fort HealthCare Home Health who have kept me at ease during challenging situations while learning the process of taking care of things myself now that I’m home!

I'm not going to let a little cancer stop my daily reporting on UW-Whitewater Football

UW-Whitewater football training camp is just four weeks away. Players are scheduled to report on August 10 with the first practice set for August 11. The Warhawks along with Washington University will be the first two teams to hit the practice field in Division III. The two schools will get a jump on the rest of Division III by getting an early start to the season. Whitewater travels to Wash U in St. Louis for its season opener on the evening of August 31.

As most of you already know, I’m currently battling colorectal cancer and am a week into six consecutive weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy treatment. One aspect of battling cancer is to remain positive throughout the treatments and also to be goal-oriented. My goal is to provide readers of my Website, Warhawkfootball.com and the loyal radio listeners of UW-Whitewater football, with continuous stories and programs as we close in on training camp.

Again this year I plan to have daily training camp updates on your Radio Home for UW-Whitewater Football – KOOL 106.5. I also intend to produce a weekly Warhawk Football This Week Podcast throughout training camp and the upcoming season.

Since being diagnosed with cancer I have learned that the best therapy for me is to focus on my talents of bringing you daily stories, videos and radio programming keeping you up-to-date on Warhawk football.

I’m not going to let a little cancer impact the upcoming season for me!

Javon's 5th birthday party gives Grandpa Tom a very good day

Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher, Tom Pattison, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions have now started. The following is the latest in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

As I blogged last week, battling cancer includes good days and bad days. Today (Monday) was a very good day for me.

By far, the highlight of the day was driving up to Madison to attend my youngest grandson, Javon Smith’s 5th birthday party at Vitense Golf Center at the intersection of the Beltline and Whitney Way.

Boy, do kids that age have energy. I got tired just watching them! BTW, Vitense has the best cheese pizza in Madison!!

Today I received my first radiation treatment at the UW-Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. For the next six weeks I’ll be driving each day, Monday through Friday to receive my dose of radiation.

The treatments will eventually cause me some fatigue but not for another ten days or so.

Tuesday morning I will be at the Dean Care Specialty Clinic in Fort Atkinson to have my chemo pump installed to allow me to start six weeks of chemotherapy. I previously had a “port” implanted into my chest. This process will enable me to keep going with your day to day routine. The pump that is placed in a fanny pack will allow for my chemo to run into my blood stream on a preset basis. By noon on Tuesday I will be underway with six weeks of daily, combined chemo and radiation treatments which hopefully will destroy the cancer cells in my body.

The week kicked off on Sunday when I received an email from one of the Warhawk football player’s father who indicated that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer three years ago.

“Good luck in your fight against this disease! Try to stay as positive as you can. People that have cancer and have gone through it, is a brother and sister fraternity. Because nobody knows what is like unless you have gone through it!”

That is just one of many emails that I’ve received since I had my surgery back on June 3. I can’t even come close to conveying to you how I appreciate my readers thoughts and good wishes as I fight cancer!

May Tuesday be as good a day as today (Monday) was.

Cancer patients face incredible highs and lows emotionally

(Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher, Tom Pattison, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions has been delayed several days prior to being conducted at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. The following is the latest in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

One of the aspects of battling cancer that I wasn’t totally prepared for is the incredible swings in mood.

Tuesday (7/10) was my worst day since first learning I had colorectal cancer. The day began with me having to call Fort Home Health Care to have a nurse come to my residence in Whitewater after I had a serious problem overnight with my ostomy device. Later in the evening an even more serious problem occurred with the device and again a nurse needed to drive to Whitewater – a second time for the day.

Fort Home Health Care Services are needed due to the residual impact my 2006 stroke created on my right side. I’m still not totally comfortable being required to use an ostomy appliance. Not being able to change the devise makes me very sad and upset.

The other part of my cancer plight is my need to go on SSI Disability. The application was placed the first week of June with a request by Jefferson County to expedite the process. One of the requirements for SSI Disability is that you have no more than $1000 to your name. I met that limit but it was two sequences of paying all my household bills. Talk about financial pressure! Sure hope my disability will be approved SOON.

I really “hit the wall” hard emotionally. A good portion of the day I was ready to give up. My daughter Kim and ex-wife Sabrina have been huge over the last month in keeping focused on beating cancer. Had it not been for Kim and Sabrina on Tuesday I don’t know if I would have been able to climb the mountain out of a bad case of depression.

Maybe I was so low emotionally on Tuesday but on Wednesday I was upbeat all day. A-matter-of-fact Wednesday was my most upbeat day since learning I had cancer.

I stayed upbeat even after my oncologist told me that he spotted something in my left lung. Dr. Sanyal says it is either an infection or possibly another tumor. Back to the Fort Atkinson Hospital on Friday for more blood work and another chest x-ray. At this point “it is what it is” I guess.

Wednesday ended at Perkins Stadium where I watched the 2012 WFCA South All-Star teams scrimmage in advance of Saturday’s Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Charity Football Game vs. the North All-Stars at Titan Stadium in Oshkosh. The two games again will benefit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

One thing I know in regards to my battle vs. cancer – being at Perkins Stadium watching football is incredibly relaxing and I look forward to being at the Perk watching the Warhawks beginning in just over a month when the team reports for training camp.

It looks like my chemotherapy and radiation will start on Monday. I’m ready for the fight!

Important: Be aware of the warning signs of cancer

(Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher Tom Pattison was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions is set to begin in the next few days at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. The following is the second in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

It was weird when people kept telling me that “I was looking good” with the weight I was losing. The acknowledgement felt good at first – but by Easter I was really beginning to worry that I had something seriously wrong physically.

If I can get just one piece of advice to my readers in connection was my diagnosis of having colorectal cancer it is failing to pay attention to cancer warning signs I experienced since last Thanksgiving.

The most obvious warning sign that occurred was my loss of over 60 pounds over the past seven-plus months. I weighed 228 pounds on November 23rd. My weight bottomed out at 171 pounds at the time of my surgery last month.

I also was suffering from constant fatigue, unexplained anemia and a definite change in bowel habits. That’s four of the classic signs of colorectal cancer.

My doctor first attributed my “problem” due to anemia and chronic dehydration following a series of blood tests. An infection in my bowels was also found.

It is kind of funny that human nature often leads one to think positive and shy away from thinking negative in regards to one’s physical condition.

Had I done a little research early on I would have been aware of colorectal cancer warning signs and may not be in the situation I’m currently in.

Here are the 10 warning signs:

1. Weight loss with no known explanation.

2. Constant tiredness or fatigue.

3. Unexplained anemia (low number of red blood cells).

4. A change in bowel habits — constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of weeks.

5. Weight loss with no known explanation.

6. Constant tiredness or fatigue.

7. Unexplained anemia (low number of red blood cells).

8. A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

9: Bright red or very dark blood in the stool, black stools that may indicate hidden blood.

10: Abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps.

Please don’t be a hero – If your not feeling well contact your doctor and express your concerns – It could well be a life-saving measure!

Youngest grandchild teaches Voice a valuable lesson

(In the photo above my youngest grandkid, Javon, makes sure Grandpa Tom gets the message to relax and stop worrying so much – photo courtesy of his mom – Kim Smith)

(Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher, Tom Pattison, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions has been delayed several days prior to being conducted at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. The following is the latest in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

I’m quickly beginning to understand that dealing with the “ups and downs” emotionally when battling cancer are the most difficult.

As I was gearing up for the start of my radiation and chemo treatments this coming Monday I found out that the treatments would be delayed five days after my latest CT scan indicated an infection in my right lung.

I sat around feeling sorry for myself – moping around. How was I going to snap out of my funk? How about a trip up to visit a couple of my grandkids – Javon and Jhanay?

While Jhanay was working on a summer school project, Javon was working on his own project with the help of Grandma Sabrina.

I arrived at the Smith household in Madison’s west side feeling down in the dumps – I left after being taught a lesson by my youngest grandchild.

For Javon the most important thing going on was working on HIS arts & craft project sitting at his “little guy” table in front of the TV while watching cartoons. The little guy taught me a lesson. I drove home and promptly plunked my butt in the “lazy boy” and spent a couple hours watching cartoons.

You know what? The little guy taught me how to relax and not worry so much.

Thanks Javon!!!!

Voice update: Radiation and chemotherapy will begin on Monday

(Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher Tom Pattison was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemotherapy sessions will begin on Monday 7/9) at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. The following is the third in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

My “training camp” is wrapping up and the battle with colorectal cancer will begin on Monday at the UW-Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek when my first radiation treatment will take place at “high-noon.”

I spent Tuesday (7/3) at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital having a procedure (minor surgery) performed getting a Groshong CD catheter embedded into the upper left portion of my chest.

Instead of having six weeks of singular, daily chemo treatments, the Groshong will allow for a continuous “chemo drip.” From all I’m being told this process IS the way to go.

(In the adjacent photo taken by my daughter Kim, I'm in good spirits just prior to being wheeled into the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital surgical suite to have a Groshong CD catheter embedded into the upper left portion of my chest to assist in my pending chemotherapy treatment.)

I’ve spent quite a bit of time reading up on the process. It is a bit scary but now is not the time to be a wimp!

Again I would like to thank the many of you that have conveyed thoughts via email messages, Facebook, etc.

Among the emails I’ve received over the past 24 hours is one from Bruce Schroeder (UWW Class of 1972). A portion of the message reads: Just remember, everybody used to think Mount Union was unbeatable, just like this cancer. Well, it is beatable and you can do it!

Bruce’s thoughts on beating this disease are great motivation for me to "win the fight.' As the Hawks prepare for a run at another championship season, I look to begin my own winning streak "one day at a time!!"

Once again, a sincere thank you to all of you that are assisting in my battle against cancer. I cannot properly convey the positive, emotional energy your thoughts have given me!

Pattison: Battling cancer the ultimate “must win” scenario

(Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher Tom Pattison was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions is set to begin in the next few days at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek. The following is the second in a series of stories detailing "Voice's" battle with cancer)

I’ve been involved in athletics since I was eight years old. In light of learning that I now face a tough battle against colorectal cancer this summer I have thought a lot of approaching the battle as I would in any other athletic contest.

Self confidence has never been one of my strong suits. I remember my high school football coach at Durand - legendary Hall of Fame coach Pete Adler - once telling me that it is important not to fear losing – but to play your best when in competition.

I have been told by several people that faced a similar situation that mindset is so important when dealing with this horrible disease. I’ve been told that I must approach my fight with positive thoughts.

I am approaching my imprnding battle as an athletic contest. The object is to “win the game.”

I have been blessed with the opportunity to be very close to UW-Whitewater football for 24 years. I have watched UWW become the most dominate football team in the nation having won four NCAA Division III national titles in the past five years and currently on an incredible 45 game win streak.

I have watched closely as the Warhawks approach each game in the right frame of mind and being ready to play. It is the primary reason for achieving such success.

These current athletes are “prisoners of the moment” and I’m sure they don’t realize the life lessons they will be so important in their future years. Believe me those lessons learned WILL HAVE a huge impact as they go through life – trust me!

I apologize for the lack of posts over the past couple of months as doctors worked to determine what was ailing me. I now realize that being able to keep readers “in the loop” on the Warhawk front is very important to me.

My plans are to continue to keep Warhawk football fans up-to-date on my Warhawkfootball.com Website and on my Voices Eye on Football blog. It is truly a passion for me!

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, Never settle for the path of least resistance, Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin', And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance, I hope you dance - by Lee Ann Womach - I Hope You Dance (2007)

I will begin six consecutive weeks of combined radiation and chemo-therapy five days a week later this month. A lot will be riding on the success of those treatments!

Voice Pattison facing battle vs. colorectal cancer

Editor’s Note: Warhawkfootball.com publisher Tom Pattison was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on May 28th. Surgery took place a couple days later at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. A portion of the tumor remains. Five to six weeks of five days a week radiation and chemo therapy sessions is set to begin in the next few days at the UW Cancer Clinic in Johnson Creek.

It will be the latest battle with severe physical problems for Pattison in the past five years. "Voice" suffered a serious stroke in October of 2006. Now he faces a very difficult battle with cancer.

Over the net few weeks “Voice” will author stories on his progress and to hopefully help readers (if even one) to know the warning signs of colorectal cancer and the importance of taking those concerns to one’s doctor.

I’m in for the biggest fight of my life after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in late May. The first signs of a physical problem first surfaced just prior to last December’s Stagg Bowl.

I’ve lost over 60 pounds since Thanksgiving and weighed 172 pounds at the time of my surgery.

Ask those close to me and they’ll tell you that it was a very frustrating time while doctors tried to come up with an answer to my massive weight loss and loss of energy. None of the blood tests taken indicate “markers” pointing to cancer. In late May I was referred to a surgeon who immediately ordered a colonoscopy which resulted in surgery.

Doctors tell me that I face a big fight in my battle with cancer. I have stage2=plus colorectal cancer that includes a mortality rate of 65 to 70 percent.

I’m ready for the battle!

Yesterday is over my shoulder, so I can't look back for too long. There's just too much to see waiting in front of me and I know that I just can't go wrong – Changes in Attitudes-Changes in Latitudes. 1977 by Jimmy Buffett

Even elite Division III players battle the odds of making an NFL roster

Getting an invitation for a tryout at an NFL team’s rookie minicamp is a definite step in the right direction. To be signed by a team following a tryout has been a long shot for most Division III athletes.

Justin Beaver got his shot following his record breaking career at Whitewater. Beaver’s NFL Pro Day in Madison made headlines around NFL circles.

Beaver’s Pro Day numbers stunned NFL scouts that were in attendance at the University of Wisconsin’s McClain Center that morning in early 2008.

The former Palmyra-Eagle star ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds. That run would have placed him as the fifth-fastest running back at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis if he had been invited and had duplicated the feat there.

His 3.96-second 20-yard shuttle time was better than any of the Combine backs. And his 24 bench reps would have put him in the top ten among running backs in that category.

To put the numbers in further context, here’s a breakdown of Beaver’s Pro Day numbers compared to Darren Mcfadden who would be selected the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Beaver ran everything fast, with the biggest difference in the 40-yard dash where he ran a solid 4.45 to Mcfadden’s 4.33.

Justin had quicker times in the 20-yard shuttle and three-cone and the three-cone drill. Beaver's 25 reps of 225 pounds stand out compared to Mcfadden's 13.

Two years later another UW-Whitewater football player, Lane Olson, put together Pro Day numbers that rivaled the best at the 2011 NFL Combine.

Olson’s 39” vertical jump is 1 ½ inches more than the closest strong safety (David Sims/Iowa State) at the ’10 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. His 28 reps 225 pound bench press is four more than the closest strong safety at the Combine. His 6.4 time in three-cone also tops all strong safeties in Indianapolis. Topping strong safeties at the Combine was Shiloh Keo’s (Boise State) 6.55 time. Olson also posted a 3.90 agility drill (20 yard cone) which was the top time among Combine strong safeties. Meanwhile, Lanes 10’4” standing broad jump distance tied him with Robert Sands of West Virginia as the longest at the Combine.

The average football fan would have thought that both Beaver and Olson were “slam dunks” to earn an undrafted free agent contract.

It didn’t happen.

A number of national publications portrayed Beaver, a 5-foot-7, 191-pound running back out of Division III UW-Whitewater is stereotyped as too small to play running back at the NFL level. The same was said about Olson who checked in with an official height of 5’8 ½ and 205 lbs.

Olson who was a linebacker his final three years at UW-Whitewater was projected as a strong safety in the NFL.

In NFL circles, size does matter and playing college football at the Division III level often produces “red flags” when considering a D III athlete in the NFL Draft or signing undrafted free agents.

Getting an invitation for a tryout at an NFL team’s rookie minicamp is a definite step in the right direction. To be signed by a team following a tryout has been a long shot for most Division III athletes.

Justin Beaver got his shot following his record breaking career at Whitewater. Hia NFL Pro Day in Madison made headlines around NFL circles.

Beaver’s Pro Day numbers stunned NFL scouts that were in attendance at the University of Wisconsin’s McClain Center that morning in early 2008.

The former Palmyra-Eagle star ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds. That run would have placed him as the fifth-fastest running back at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis if he had been invited and had duplicated the feat there. His 3.96-second 20-yard shuttle time was better than any of the Combine backs.

His 24 bench reps would have put him in the top ten among running backs in that category. To put the numbers in further context, here’s a breakdown of Beaver’s Pro Day numbers compared to Darren Mcfadden who would be selected the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Beaver ran everything fast, with the biggest difference in the 40-yard dash where he ran a solid 4.45 to Mcfadden’s 4.33. Justin had quicker times in the 20-yard shuttle and three-cone and the three-cone drill. Beaver's 25 reps of 225 pounds stand out compared to Mcfadden's 13.

Two years later another for UW-Whitewater football player, Lane Olson, put together Pro Day numbers that rivaled the best at the 2011 NFL Combine.

Olson’s 39” vertical jump is 1 ½ inches more than the closest strong safety (David Sims/Iowa State) at the ’10 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. His 28 reps 225 pound bench press is four more than the closest strong safety at the Combine.

His 6.4 time in three-cone also tops all strong safeties in Indianapolis. Topping strong safeties at the Combine was Shiloh Keo’s (Boise State) 6.55 time. Olson also posted a 3.90 agility drill (20 yard cone) which was the top time among Combine strong safeties. Meanwhile, Lanes 10’4” standing broad jump distance tied him with Robert Sands of West Virginia as the longest at the Combine.

The average football fan would have thought that both Beaver and Olson were “slam dunks” to earn an undrafted free agent contract. It didn’t happen.

A number of national publications portrayed Beaver, a 5-foot-7, 191-pound running back out of Division III UW-Whitewater is stereotyped as too small to play running back at the NFL level. The same was said about Olson who checked in with an official height of 5’8 ½ and 205 lbs. Olson who was a linebacker his final three years at UW-Whitewater was projected as a strong safety in the NFL.

In NFL circles, size does matter and playing college football at the Division III level often produces “red flags” when considering a D III athlete in the NFL Draft or signing undrafted free agents.

Beaver eventually signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League and was on the team’s “practice squad” in his only year with the club. Justin returned to the United States and is a highly successful teacher and coach at Jefferson High School. He and wife Amber are expecting their first child this summer.

Olson never did receive an invitation to a rookie minicamp tryout and was out of football in 2011. The former UW-Whitewater linebacker is playing this spring with Rhinos Milano of the Italian Football League. Olson currently plays defensive back and wide receiver for Rhinos Milano of the Italian Professional Football League. He is one of four players from the United States on the team’s 2012 roster.

Three former Warhawks – Matt Blanchard (QB), Casey Casper (Long Snapper) and Kris Rosholt (Punter) are the next in line in seeking an NFL career. Casper and Rosholt have been invited to the Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp the weekend of May 11th. The same weekend, Blanchard will be at the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp.