There’s a new voice in the fight against deadly blood cancers, and it’s one that many Tennessee sports fans may recognize.
Chip Hoback, former public address announcer of the Vanderbilt Commodores football and basketball teams and host of Allstate Saturday Sports Mayhem on Nashville’s 102.5 The Game, is getting off the bench and into the game for the fight against blood cancers. Hoback, a 30-year veteran of voice work whose credits span from baseball and basketball games to commercials, radio and television acting, is one of the latest nominees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2013 “Man & Woman of the Year” campaign. The competition, which selects a winner from every state, is a nationwide effort that helps raise funds to combat deadly cancers, offering hope and improved survival rates against a disease that has impacted virtually everyone. The 10-week campaign, which kicked off April 4 and runs through June 13, is considered one of the biggest non-profit endeavors and one of the biggest local honors to champion.
But Chip’s reason for participation isn’t for honor or the sport of the game, and the Team Hoback website lists a very personal story: In July 2007, his niece Megan Wood experienced severe bone pain in her leg. His sister, Luann, took her in to get evaluated and the doctor could find nothing wrong. It was thought that one of the potential causes was aches and pains from being an athlete. (Megan had been a field hockey player at Ballard High School in Louisville, Ky.) Then the doctor happened to notice a bruise on her thigh and asked how long it had been there. At that point, the doctor ordered blood tests. That’s when the Wood family got the call that no one ever wants to get.
Megan had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) subtype acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) 3 weeks prior to leaving for college at the University of Kentucky. While her plans and dreams of college were put on hold, the family is forever thankful that her doctor ran those blood tests! After the chemo inductions, Megan experienced complications which sent her to Cleveland Clinic. Once on maintenance chemo, Megan returned to college, joined a sorority and tried to get the college experience—just a little later than she planned. Unfortunately, there were complications and Megan had to leave school twice before having to withdraw.
Megan had to spend a long time at Baptist East Hospital. But, after a five-year recovery with clear tests, Megan is happy and cancer-free thanks to the support and groups like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“This is why I accepted the nomination for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year,” Chip shares. “This is something I have to do. I want to offer the promise of hope.”
And Team Hoback looks to honor that promise. Pulling out all of the stops, the group is offering events such as a steak-and-eggs breakfast with Titans announcer Mike Keith, opportunities to meet great musicians such as Jimmy Buffett and Shooter Jennings, and a cooking class with Pulse favorite Miss Daisy King.
To join the Team Hoback effort and help the fight against cancer, check out teamhoback.com or e-mail chipsgonnawin@gmail.com. Please check out their Facebook (facebook.com/TeamHoback) and Twitter (@TeamHoback) pages to keep up with the group’s progress and cheer them on.
And please, remember to donate generously. You can make a difference.
