Quarterback with a Cause

Dickinson sophomore helping people stricken with cancer

October 23, 2007

Dickinson sophomore quarterback Ian Mitchell plays to help children win the fight against cancer.

For Dickinson College quarterback Ian Mitchell '10, football is more than just a game. It's a motivational tool for him and others to help people, especially children, coping with cancer.

In fall 2005, inspired by three personal tragedies, Mitchell became determined to honor the memory of his best friend and family members, all of whom died after being stricken with cancer. His commitment, dating back to his senior year in high school, is to use his athletic ability to benefit cancer victims through a football-related fundraiser.

"It was important to me because I have had two grandparents who have passed due to this terrible disease, and I watched them suffer because of it," Mitchell said.

The third tragedy involved Mitchell's closest friend from high school, Evan Brady, who lost a battle with cancer on Sept. 20, 2005. Brady, coming out of eighth grade, was one of the top lacrosse players in the country and received an athletic scholarship to attend Malvern Preparatory School. He never got a chance to play.

"I watched Evan fight this disease for five years, lose his hair, and eventually lose his leg," Mitchell said. "He was unable to attend school many days and missed out on many things that he could not do with friends and sports."

Letting kids be kids

The fundraiser Mitchell organized aimed to give children disabled by the disease a second chance to live normal lives.

During the Malvern Prep '05 football season, friends and family participated in the cause by pledging various amounts of money for each yard Mitchell gained. At the end of the season, his overall totals in rushing, passing and receiving were tallied and then donors gave accordingly—$10,000. The money was donated to the American Cancer Society's Camp Can-Do, an organization that, according to its Web site, was founded to "give children with cancer a break from treatments and hospitals, while providing a place for these young survivors to act like children."

Located in Mt. Gretna, Pa., the weeklong camp caters to children ages 8 to 17 who are undergoing cancer treatment or are within five years of their last treatment. Children are able to participate in activities like swimming, canoeing, archery, camp sing-alongs, and are treated to a day at Hersheypark and a theme dance.

Calling for pledges

This season Mitchell is eager to continue his cause while playing for the Red Devils.

"I am hoping, by extending this fundraiser throughout the college, that I can raise an even higher amount to send more children to camp," Mitchell said.

Dickinson Head Football Coach Darwin Breaux said he supports Mitchell's gesture.

"Ian's idea gives our team an opportunity to help a good cause because cancer touches everyone's life in some manner," Breaux said.

If you would like to make a contribution, contact Mitchell by e-mail at mitcheli@dickinson.edu with your pledge amount and contact information. Students can reach Mitchell through campus mail at HUB Box 1753.

Andrew Williams '08