Josh Bond
By Jessica McNeece
Staff Writer
A white jersey with the number 10 on it hangs alone on a pole in the back of the men’s DMACC locker room. The jersey motivates the basketball players because of what it signifies.
“Josh’s jersey reminds us of what he is going through and why he is missing,” teammate Colin Green said.
The number 10 jersey belongs to Josh Bond, a DMACC basketball player who was diagnosed with cancer in December. Bond returned home to Australia for treatments on Dec. 4.
“I would love to come back and play. I learned so much in the little time I was at DMACC so if I can, and am 100 percent, it would be a pleasure to play again,” Bond said through a Facebook message.
Head Coach BJ McGinn said the team would love to see Bond back on the court but the main goal now is getting healthy.
While the jersey at DMACC reminds the team of Bond, his away jersey in Australia reminds Bond of DMACC.
“Josh’s away jersey is hung up next to Josh’s hospital bed to give him strength to see the court again,” said McGinn.
Staff Writer
A white jersey with the number 10 on it hangs alone on a pole in the back of the men’s DMACC locker room. The jersey motivates the basketball players because of what it signifies.
“Josh’s jersey reminds us of what he is going through and why he is missing,” teammate Colin Green said.
The number 10 jersey belongs to Josh Bond, a DMACC basketball player who was diagnosed with cancer in December. Bond returned home to Australia for treatments on Dec. 4.
“I would love to come back and play. I learned so much in the little time I was at DMACC so if I can, and am 100 percent, it would be a pleasure to play again,” Bond said through a Facebook message.
Head Coach BJ McGinn said the team would love to see Bond back on the court but the main goal now is getting healthy.
While the jersey at DMACC reminds the team of Bond, his away jersey in Australia reminds Bond of DMACC.
“Josh’s away jersey is hung up next to Josh’s hospital bed to give him strength to see the court again,” said McGinn.
DMACC students Bailey Arrendale, Kirstin Angus, and Cole Keltner sell bracelets in the Courter Center at the beginning of the semester to raise money for Bears basketball player Josh Bond. The money raised will be sent to Bond’s mom in Australia.
At the end of the fall semester, the 6’1 freshman guard, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He moved back to his hometown of Adelaide, South Australia, in December.
Even before the cancer diagnosis, Bond’s time at DMACC was a little bumpy. Right before basketball season started, Bond broke his foot and ended up missing most of the pre season workouts.
He also struggled with back problems, a root canal, and got a bad case of bronchitis after his foot had finally healed. With all the medication that Bond was taking, he started having stomach pains. This is when he went to the hospital.
The doctors told Bond that he had a stomach ulcer, but after they looked at the results a little further, they realized that something else was wrong. He was then diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer.
The team found out on Dec. 3, after a loss to Southeastern 70-79. “The hardest part was telling the guys,” McGinn said. Bond was a good kid, with his grades, and his talent in basketball. He always stayed out of trouble, McGinn said.
The coach had gotten to know Bond a little bit better than the other guys on the team because of the constant car rides to the doctor’s office. Bond was always cracking jokes even if he was sick or hurt. His sarcasm was very likeable by all.
Even though he missed a lot of practices, he made quite a few friends on the team. Bond and his two close friends, Jake Guenther and Colin Green, often were found in the Honors Building working on homework or eating dinner at the softball girl’s apartment.
Guenther said, “I am ready for Josh to recover so that he can hopefully come visit in March.”
Bond was awarded a trip for him and his mom to come visit DMACC and his friends when he is fully healthy and strong. A foundation called Star Light Foundation is paying for all the expenses so he can see his friends again.
Bond just had his fourth and hopefully final chemo treatment. He will then start working on getting stronger and making a successful recovery.
“After all this, I’ve come out with a whole new look at life and appreciate a lot more things. It has made me more mature which I take as a positive,” says Bond.
“Right now, my plan is to just get 100% better and then see how I’m feeling,” Bond said.
DMACC students can be seen in the Courter Center selling bracelets for $3 to help Bond’s cause. They are in different colors and have Bond’s basketball number on them. The money is being sent to Bond’s family.
Even before the cancer diagnosis, Bond’s time at DMACC was a little bumpy. Right before basketball season started, Bond broke his foot and ended up missing most of the pre season workouts.
He also struggled with back problems, a root canal, and got a bad case of bronchitis after his foot had finally healed. With all the medication that Bond was taking, he started having stomach pains. This is when he went to the hospital.
The doctors told Bond that he had a stomach ulcer, but after they looked at the results a little further, they realized that something else was wrong. He was then diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer.
The team found out on Dec. 3, after a loss to Southeastern 70-79. “The hardest part was telling the guys,” McGinn said. Bond was a good kid, with his grades, and his talent in basketball. He always stayed out of trouble, McGinn said.
The coach had gotten to know Bond a little bit better than the other guys on the team because of the constant car rides to the doctor’s office. Bond was always cracking jokes even if he was sick or hurt. His sarcasm was very likeable by all.
Even though he missed a lot of practices, he made quite a few friends on the team. Bond and his two close friends, Jake Guenther and Colin Green, often were found in the Honors Building working on homework or eating dinner at the softball girl’s apartment.
Guenther said, “I am ready for Josh to recover so that he can hopefully come visit in March.”
Bond was awarded a trip for him and his mom to come visit DMACC and his friends when he is fully healthy and strong. A foundation called Star Light Foundation is paying for all the expenses so he can see his friends again.
Bond just had his fourth and hopefully final chemo treatment. He will then start working on getting stronger and making a successful recovery.
“After all this, I’ve come out with a whole new look at life and appreciate a lot more things. It has made me more mature which I take as a positive,” says Bond.
“Right now, my plan is to just get 100% better and then see how I’m feeling,” Bond said.
DMACC students can be seen in the Courter Center selling bracelets for $3 to help Bond’s cause. They are in different colors and have Bond’s basketball number on them. The money is being sent to Bond’s family.