Teammates, coaches rally in support of Nash
Social media erupted with Facebook posts and tweets in support of Central Michigan University running back Derrick Nash.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2013, two weeks before his high school graduation, Nash has been at the University of Michigan Health System hospital for the past three weeks.
Rob Wyman, director of communications for University Athletics, said Nash is in their thoughts.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Derrick and his family as he continues his fight," Wyman said. "Derrick is an important member of our program and his strength and courage is an inspiration for all of us."
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia affects the bone marrow's ability to create healthy blood cells. As the most common type of cancer in children or young adults, a person's prognosis can go bad quickly, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Nash served as the running back at Carrollton High School and moved on to Division I athletics when he earned a scholarship from CMU. Following his diagnosis in 2013, Nash was forced to watch the Chippewas from the sidelines.
He underwent two weeks of treatment in Ann Arbor, and then was found to be in remission. As a freshman on the football team, he had to sit out. Nash returned in 2014, competing in the spring football game. Doctors then found his cancer had returned, and he was sent back to the bench while receiving treatment. Despite being in treatment, Nash was able to serve as honorary captain for the Chippewas while attending the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl in 2014.
The CMU community, his teammates and former coaches have rallied in support of Nash using the hashtag #NashStrong and posting on Nash's Facebook page. In the past, CMU has hosted blood drives for Nash, as he has to undergo blood transfusions. For each person who donated blood, funds were given to the Derrick Nash Fund.
