Hazzard’s Can-Do Attitude

Wins U of R Hospital Honors

COOPERSTOWN – Matt Hazzard’s can-do attitude while fighting cancer has resulted in his selection as one of 29 “Wilmot Warrior Walk” honorees to be recognized Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Highland Park Bowl in Rochester.

Being suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with a severe type of lymphoma meant Hazzard, now 34 and executive director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, didn’t have time to plan, said Ruth Harper-Rhode, University of Rochester Medical Center spokesperson, in announcing his selection.

After he was diagnosed in February 2015, he was flown to Rochester to receive care in the ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital and then at Wilmot Cancer Institute. “His situation was dire but two things kept him going: his 2-year-old son and watching the Cooperstown Hawkeyes girls’ basketball team, for which he was a coach, embark on a winning streak,” said Harper-Rhode.

He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, hitting some road blocks along the way. Today, more than a year after his diagnosis, he is doing well. He continues his work as executive director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and still volunteers as a basketball and baseball coach. He’s also taken time to talk to other people diagnosed with cancer, to help them through it.

The Wilmot Warrior Walk includes a 5K and 10K, a one-mile walk, and a post-race celebration. It aims to raise funds for cancer research and Wilmot’s survivorship program while also bringing together people who have been impacted by cancer.