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TU's Holloway smiling through pain

Wilson Holloway, coming off his third battle with cancer, laughs between takes during shooting of a PSA for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Oct. 1. Holloway was wearing the sunglasses to protect his eyes from the bright lights between takes. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World

 
By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Published: 10/9/2009  2:25 AM
Last Modified: 10/9/2009  10:29 PM
Related story: TU Notebook: Benefitting from DeShane.

WILSON HOLLOWAY'S mammoth body has been a battleground for cancer, radiation and chemotherapy. The Tulsa football player's everlasting smile shields the 18-month war that has raged inside him. Hodgkin's lymphoma will never take away Holloway's positive attitude.

During Wednesday's football game against Boise State, Holloway's public service announcement will be shown on the video board to educate the public.

"I hope it raises awareness and money to find a cure," Holloway said.

Holloway's story dates back to March 13, 2008, when he discovered he had cancer. The junior battled it twice over the next 12 months and won the Courage Award from the Football Writers Association of America and the Orange Bowl.

After erasing cancer after a second diagnosis, he was asked a tough question — what would happen if it came back?

"Remember at that time I said the third time would be the charm," Holloway said. "That's what I've been saying the whole time."

This battle has been a tough one. Cancer was found in his lungs this past spring and has been aggressive. He received treatment and two stem cell transplants from older brother Trey Holloway over the summer.

"I haven't had any scans yet because it's too soon to do a scan, but I've had blood work and am feeling great," Holloway said, who anticipates a third victory. "We've seen good signs and everything is pointing in the right direction."

Offensive coordinator Herb Hand has been close to Holloway since day one. He broke the news to the 275-pound offensive lineman about his disease on two separate occasions.

"That guy has nothing but winner in him," said Hand, who joined TU players in shaving their heads in solidarity last season. "His outlook and approach ... it's unbelievable how he's handled it.

"I think I've taken it harder than he has. When you hear the word 'cancer,' so many things go through your mind. This guy is a champion and everyone in our football program has learned something from his experience."

Holloway has turned from football player to ambassador for the fight against cancer.

"I've probably told my story a million times," Holloway said. "I've talked to people around my age that have the same kind of cancer as me. They're nervous about the different types of treatment and transplants that there are, but I talk to them and ease their mind."

He doesn't lie to them. Bad days are part of the deal. But he takes those on directly.

"There's days like that," Holloway said. "I feel like if I show it, I'm letting it win and that's not what I want.

"I push through. I feel like it's more of a choice to have a good day."

Holloway's ties to Tulsa football linked him to JoLynn Bellinger, who works for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Bellinger is the mother-in-law to TU tight end Jake Collums.

"I got in touch with him after he was just (recently) released from the hospital," Bellinger said. "From the first time I met him and heard his story, I realized that he was the total package.

"He really has a passion to give back and a sincere concern for others."

Bellinger set up the public service announcement, which will be directed at a sellout Chapman Stadium crowd.

Fans will be given a number to send a text message, and an instant $5 donation will be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"When I first found out I had cancer, I knew I wanted to do something like this," Holloway said. "I'm proud to be given this opportunity."

"It will be a great day when we find a cure for cancer," he added. "I really didn't realize, until I got cancer, how many people cancer affects."

In-game donations

Wilson Holloway will promote the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mobile giving campaign. Fans can text 90999 during the TU-Boise State game and a $5 donation will be given to LLS. The amount is added to the user's cell phone bill.

LLS also will have an information tent set up at the game with volunteers and survivors answering questions and providing literature. Visitors can make a donation at this time, also.

Eric Bailey 581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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11 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
KYCane, Crestwood (10/9/2009 7:31:10 AM)
He stands so tall I wouldn't even be fit to be in his shadow. God Bless You Wilson and please know you've got KYCane praying for you.
Report Comment
Whoknew?, Tulsa (10/9/2009 8:45:59 AM)
We see so many negative posts here daily it is truly an inspiration to see such a positive young man! I pray for his strength and God to continue to bless him.
Report Comment
Lance-a-lot, Tulsa (10/9/2009 8:55:19 AM)
What a good story about a great man. He is all heart.
Report Comment
iflyfast, At an airport somewhere in the Tulsa area (10/9/2009 9:31:26 AM)
so are we texting TO 90999 or is that a code we send to a specific number?
Report Comment
jimjam, (10/9/2009 11:11:00 AM)
By Jesus stripes Wilson is healed. BRO. HOLLOWAY BE BLESSED!
Report Comment
interestedgal, (10/9/2009 12:28:13 PM)
Bless his heart; I saw him at the game in his warm up and wondered if he'd had another occurence
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (10/9/2009 1:16:23 PM)
Hang in there Wilson. I will pray for you!!
Report Comment
dork74, Broken Arrow (10/9/2009 1:24:27 PM)
We're all hoping that the 3rd time is the charm and that he has beaten it. He is an inspiration and a great example of what a role model should be.
Report Comment
Autism Mom, (10/9/2009 6:28:23 PM)
Fire Gundy and ForkandKnife, it takes a truly ignorant person to make light of cancer.

Wilson keep up the good fight!!!! God Bless
Report Comment
gigglecurv, Oak View (10/9/2009 7:51:50 PM)
You are indeed a man of integrity! I will pray for you and I am glad that you are sharing your story with others.
Report Comment
Hurricane4Lyfe, (10/10/2009 2:01:50 PM)
Wonderful Story ~ Keep the positive attitude, and God is using you at this time to teach others. You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!
 

 
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