With the Super Bowl just a few days away, tickets to the event are scarce. But one inspiring cancer survivor is getting a free trip to the Super Bowl after recording a one minute video explaining what football means to him.
Gary Degen, a prostate cancer survivor from Louisville, KY, will be bringing his two sons to this year’s Super Bowl after winning tickets through an NFL.com contest. The contest prompted fans to explain what football meant to them, and why they wanted to go to Super Bowl XLVIII. Degan was one of 10 semifinalists chosen by the NFL after hearing their inspiring stories. Other NFL fans voted Degen’s story as one of the five winners.
A year ago Degen was diagnosed with prostate cancer that spread to his spine. In response to the news, he decided to change his priorities and put more energy into his role as videographer for his 14- and 17-year-old sons’ high school football team. No matter how sick he was feeling, he always participated in his sons’ workouts and training session, encouraging them to pursue their goals.
After seeing information about the contest on the NFL’s website, he shot a one-minute video on his cell phone describing how football provides him with the opportunity to build a closer relationship with his family during the difficult time. He explained how working with his sons and their football team helped give his life new meaning and inspiration. Before long, an NFL film crew came to their local football field to get official footage of the family for their contest entry. It was around the start of the New Year that Degen was informed that he was chosen as one of the winners.
The Degen family’s unwavering support for one another has inspired their community, as well as cancer survivors and NFL fans everywhere. Now it’s their turn to sit back and enjoy the show.
To learn more about oncology services in Nevada, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, and affiliate of UCLA and The US Oncology Network, at (702) 952-3350.
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