ONEONTA, N.Y. - Starting senior year for any college student is full of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. But the fall semester brought some unexpected news for one SUNY Oneonta student-athlete. Early in the school year, Oneonta baseball senior Joshua Martin (Edmeston, NY/Edmeston) discovered that he was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma.

In Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, cancer appears in two or more of the lymph nodes, with symptoms of fevers, weight loss, and fatigue.

After the initial diagnosis from a doctor in Cooperstown, Martin began seeing Dr. Carla Casulo, a specialist in all forms of Lymphoma, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. "Dr. Casulo helped my family and I feel comforted, supported, and more confident going into treatment," said Martin. "My options for treatment out of Strong Memorial were chemotherapy until my scans were clear. After my scans were clear, I then underwent prevention treatment, immunotherapy, which I have just recently finished."

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma typically lasts three to six months and involves chemotherapy cycles and rest periods, depending on the regimen. During immunotherapy, Martin uses his immune system to fight off the cancer.

While most student-athletes mainly focus on their classes, practice, and social life, adjusting to school was difficult at first. "It affected my social and school life because it was constantly on my mind," stated Martin. "Whenever I laughed or smiled it would immediately come back in my head, making it difficult to enjoy times with others as well as focus on school." Regular doctor's appointments and treatments at Rochester also proved demanding in the fall. "I had to step away from baseball, and I could only show up to see the guys when I felt up for it. The most challenging part was to keep fighting and moving forward when it felt there was no end."

Despite the hardships, Martin found support from the Oneonta baseball team and coaches and professors. "The team, as well as coaches, were a huge help," described Martin. "They made such an impact and made such a comforting and supportive environment. They gave me whatever support I needed and were there the whole way."

After all the scans were clear, Martin returned to baseball following a conversation with head coach Ben Grimm. "Coach Grimm made it very clear that he would support my decision and that he and the other coaches and players wanted me to be around throughout the season if I was up for it." Martin made it clear he was ready to return and make an impact on the team. "I responded by saying how I wanted to try and come back and play my final season with this group. This entire group was there for me in whatever way they could, so I wanted to spend my last year with the group that was there for me when I needed it."

Martin returned to the mound on March 26 against Cobleskill after officially beating Lymphoma. He pitched the entire fifth inning, striking out one batter and not allowing a run to help the Red Dragons to a 13-9 win.

"There are no words to describe what Josh has gone through other than his," said Grimm. "It's incredible that he's battled back to get on the field for us this spring. It's been awe-inspiring to witness his journey this year." 

Martin's journey has led to a stronger resolve to fight these hardships from the beginning of his diagnosis, treatment, and eventual return to the classroom and field. He hopes that his experience can help others and went on to say, "My advice I would give someone who is newly diagnosed with Lymphoma, or any cancer, is at first it is going to be frightening and may seem like it is taking over your life. But all you can do is fight, stay strong, and continue to roll with the punches."   

A repeating theme Martin discussed was having support from various groups, including his team, coaches, family, and friends. Despite the feeling of having to tackle this alone, Martin was also appreciative of those around him. "I also want to say a huge thank you to my parents and family, my coaches and teammates, my girlfriend, Sophia Mangone, and her entire family," finished Martin. "You guys were there supporting me from the beginning, and I will never forget it. Cancer decided to start a fight with me, but I decided to finish it."