Will Dicus...Bigger than baseball

To the diehard fans of the sport, there are few things that would seem bigger than baseball, but unfortunately, life isn't always fair or what we plan. The Watauga Junior League baseball team just finished in 2nd place in the state tournament behind an awesome team from Rutherfordton. It was a great run for these boys, and brought a lot of excitement to this community. The driving force behind these kids to win the state came from a young man who was able to lead the team with his contagious personality and yet unable to lead them with his terrific pitching arm due to his battle with cancer. Will Dicus was diagnosed last May with Ewings sarcoma, endured 10 months of chemo and a surgery to replace a five inch section of his shin bone. He knew his athletic days were over and had accepted with that with grace beyond his years. To our tremendous surprise and delight, his doctor cleared him last month to pitch - a dream come true -but only to pitch. He can never run, bat, play infield, outfield, etc. but that was enough. Will was throwing 75 mph after a year off - not bad for a 14 year old! But last week he found out there is a recurrence and is looking at 6 more months of chemo and radiation. Will had surgery Friday to remove a small tumor from his lung and was at the ballpark Monday afternoon in Waynesville. He is unbelievable! And he has taught these fine young men what courage, perseverence, endurance, and friendship is all about. Pray for Will - pray for his mom (an ICU nurse who totally understands this, yet has the most optimistic, lovable spirit you could ever imagine) and his dad (Appalachian State's golf coach and just a great guy) and visit his website and let him know there is a baseball family "down the mountain" that is pulling for him. We know from experience there is nothing like a baseball family.

www.caringbridge.org/nc/willdicus

 

My heart goes out to that young man and his family. I can only imagine what kind of a battle that boy is going through even though my wife has been battling a sarcoma for nearly 2.5 years and has had three surgerys to remove tumors, one bone replacement surgery, a round of 16 radiation treatments, and 2 rounds of chemo during that trying time. It was very rough on her and for an athletic teenager it must be almost unbearable. Personally I don't know how he or his family can even cope. They must be tremendously strong. I will pray for him and his family.

 

Post 8 intends to mention Will in their pre-game prayer tomorrow before their first Legion State Tournament game (against Morehead City). This kid has the stuff that inspires all of us. He also helps us remember the real priorities in life. I hope he has a long life, because the world will be a better place with kids like Will around.

 

Thanks to you who sent Will a note. He starts radiation today - everyday for three weeks - and his first day of high school is tomorrow. They can take care of the radiation late in the day so he won't miss school. Not a great way to start high school, but at least he won't miss much until the chemo starts. I know he appreciates notes - especially from athletes. Keep encouraging him and thanks so much.

www.caringbridge.org/nc/willdicus

 

Thanks Observer for posting this. What a remarkable young man! My family has sent prayers up to the mountains.

 

Observer, my son Tyler prayed for Will before every game that we (Lexington) played at the Legion State Tournament in Cherryville. He sent Will a message to that effect. We will continue to remember him.

 

Thanks to everyone who's been encouraging Will - if you get a chance to post a note, I know it really helps and he appreciates it. If you have some time, read the journal history - it will give you a lot of insight into their lives.

www.caringbridge.org/nc/willdicus

 

Continued Prayers for Success

Our prayers go out to this young man for continued improved health and success on the ballfield. Daily, we tend to take our lives for granted and stories like this young man's are those that can help keep us grounded and focused on the "right" things in life.

Best wishes from a member of the AC Reynolds Rocket baseball family to Will Dicus, his family, and Watauga Pioneer baseball families.

 

What a remarkable story

 

Great news. Hope things continue to improve for him.
On another note how is the young man on the football team who got injuried at the SC game doing. Haven't heard anything on him and was just wondering if he was ok