St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Purdue University Center for Cancer Research
Hazell at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - While out on the road making in-house visits and putting together the 2015 signing class in January, Purdue head football coach Darrell Hazell called on a very special recruit in Memphis, Tenn. Stopping by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Hazell met with 17-year old Isaac and quickly worked on converting him into a Boilermaker fan.
Isaac, who is bravely battling medulloblastoma, a brain tumor that develops from the neurons of the cerebellum, gave the coach a tour of the hospital, school and rehab room at the facility. The two then sat down for a chat and Hazell began his recruiting pitch.
During the 90-minute visit, the Boilermaker head man presented Isaac with mini helmet replicas of Purdue's standard black and Hammer Down Cancer lids, as well as a Hammer Down Cancer-inspired t-shirt, headphones and wallet. He also received a Purdue flag, a personalized credential, sunglasses and an autographed Purdue Pete poster. When all was said and done, there was one more Old Gold and Black backer in the Volunteer State.
The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
In support of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, the Boilermaker football program annually dedicates one of its seven home games to Hammer Down Cancer. Purdue wore helmets, shoe laces, socks and gloves featuring neon yellow (the color used by the Center for Cancer Research) in its game against Michigan State last season.
The Center for Cancer Research brings together the best minds from within Purdue University and beyond to study cancers where they start -- inside the cell. Using the combined expertise of scientists from disciplines as varied as engineering and veterinary medicine, biology, and chemistry, the Center for Cancer Research promotes discovery into how cancers develop, progress and respond to treatment.