Football player gets closer to cancer battle victory

Chippewa Falls, Wis. (WEAU) -- Pat Clifton loves the game of football. Even more so, loves watching his grandson, Mason Zimmerman, enjoy it as well.

But two years ago, some news hit Mason and his family harder than they have been hit before.

"So they took him in, did a blood draw, and found out he had leukemia," said Clifton.

Clifton remembers that feeling, first learning that his grandson had cancer.

"For a 10 year old boy to be diagnosed with leukemia it was shocking, and I was pretty sick to my stomach," he added.

From the start, Mason Zimmerman knew something was wrong, just did not know how badly. His family stood close by, including his teammates.

"The first year they gave me hugs, more like pats on the back, just said how you are feeling," Zimmerman added.

Clifton told his friend Jim Britton about Mason. Britton happens to be the Athletic Director at Chippewa Falls Middle School and organized a donation drive.

"It didn't make any difference in domination, dollars, coins, five, ten, twenty, whatever it was," he said.

$88 dollars the first year turned into $331 dollars the next. Last year's money went to the American Cancer Society in Mason's name. That is the plan this year, too.

"One of the players had been saving all year, he had saved up $20 and he gave it to Mason because he felt that was important," Clifton added.

Over the past two years, Mason Zimmerman had made many strides. This season has been bigger than all others. Mason is well enough to be back on the field, playing the game he loves.

He is focused on the future, especially when it comes to football.

"Hopefully I can make the football team, and hopefully I can go to a good college," he added.

To donate, checks can be brought to Chippewa Falls Middle School and written out to the American Cancer Society, noting Mason's name.

Source: http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Football-player-gets-closer-to-cancer-victory-175533371.html

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