Comeback kids
mason
Photo credit: Mark Hvidsten
At just 16 years old, Mason Decker has already faced and conquered more challenges than most. Diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoblastic lymphoma at the start of his 8th-grade year, Mason endured two and a half years of intensive chemotherapy, forcing him to step away from school, sports, and social life. The treatments took a toll on his strength, endurance, and confidence, but Mason refused to let cancer define him.
With relentless determination, he fought his way back, rebuilding his body and mindset to return to the sports he loves—football and basketball. Athletics have always been more than just a game for Mason; they are a core part of his identity and a driving force in his recovery.
The Goliath Project played a crucial role in his journey, providing training support, a gym membership, and essential gear to help him regain his competitive edge. More importantly, they reinforced that he is not alone, reminding him—and others like him—that strength, perseverance, and community can overcome even the toughest battles.
Havyn
Starting senior year with six college classes, Havyn is no stranger to hard work—both in and out of the classroom. A passionate advocate for literacy, Havyn was honored with the Girl Scouts Changemaker Award for their impactful book drive efforts.
Her athletic journey has been one of resilience and determination. After battling stage 2 mucinous adenocarcinoma, she has been training to join a competitive Olympic-style lifting team this winter. Thanks to support from The Goliath Project, she’s been able to push her limits, mastering new lifts and hitting personal records—including a 170 lb bench press and a 200 lb squat for the first time since chemo. She has just committed to CSBSJU for nursing and will be in their Army ROTC program next year! Havyn’s journey is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the power of community support.
Chase
Photo credit: Brinkley Dolgos
Chase Dolgos is a dedicated basketball player whose journey has been defined by resilience and determination. In March 2023, during his freshman JV baseball season, Chase was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after weeks of persistent illness. His battle led him to spend over a month in the PICU at Nemours Dupont Hospital, where he endured intense treatments, including chemotherapy, spinal taps, a PICC line, kidney dialysis, and more. Complications arose when he developed Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition caused by steroid treatments, affecting his knees and limiting his mobility.
Despite these challenges, Chase remains motivated by the unwavering support of his friends and family. With a strong will to overcome every obstacle, he continues working hard to regain his strength and return to the basketball court.
The Goliath Project has played a crucial role in his recovery, providing local training support to help him rebuild his body and confidence. Looking ahead, Chase dreams of starting his own business to support kids battling cancer, using his experience to inspire and uplift others facing similar challenges.
Marie
Marie Hanson, age 15, is a dedicated athlete who plays volleyball, basketball, and runs track. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 12, she completed her last chemotherapy session on her 13th birthday. Despite battling painful joints during treatment, Marie's determination never wavered—she even played 7th grade volleyball with a port still in place.
Marie finds strength in being part of a team and is driven by the desire to push herself physically. She works hard in the gym, knowing that strength eases her joint pain and helps her support her teammates. "What motivates me is to train and work hard to push myself to be the best I can be, while thinking about the times I couldn't play and how much that sick-Marie would want me to succeed," she says.
Through strength, agility, and specialized sport training, Marie has reached a point where her resilience shines. Her journey from illness to strength is a testament to her perseverance. Looking ahead, Marie's goals are to keep improving in her sports, enjoy the game, and ensure her teammates do too.