Cancer Survivor. These two words brings a smile to Jacob Stanley’s face these days. The former assistant captain of the Ocelots hockey team, arrived at a major turning point in his eight-month battle with cancer this month: his Stage-4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is now in remission.
“I feel pretty good,” said Stanley in response to the good news. Though he will be tested every three months, not officially beating cancer until 10 years have passed, Stanley remains hopeful.
His old coach, Schoolcraft Hockey general manager Rob Lindsay, was also very excited about the news.
“The day Jacob finished his treatment at U of M Children’s Hospital is the milestone that both myself, his team, his family and friends have been waiting for,” said Lindsay. “It is time to celebrate with Jacob for making it through this very tough experience.”
Stanley has remained strong despite the challenges. Not only was he given the cancer diagnosis but also came down with Mucor, a very rare fungus that was discovered three cycles into the treatment that threatened to take his leg. Fortunately, both cancer and the Mucor are in check.
The Purple Out Charity Hockey Game fundraiser from December, brought together the support of the Schoolcraft College hockey team and the community in support of Stanley and his ongoing battle with cancer.
“Together, we tried to inspire hope and courage for Jacob and his family,” said Lindsay of the Ocelots hockey team. “I said together because it wasn’t just one person, it was the TEAM and a lot of people coming together to demonstrate that the hockey community really cares.”
That game, as well as the ‘Stanley Strong’ online fundraiser, was done with acknowledgment toward the difficult and draining experience for those who live with, fight and then move past cancer.
“I feel very loved by all the support with the Stanley strong fundraising,” said Stanley. “I do want to give my sincere heartfelt thank you to everyone that has helped me through my journey.” Lindsay credits the hard work of the thank Student Activities Office for its prominent role in making the charity game a success.
Moving forward, Stanley has great plans for his future, with ambitions to go back to school for the police academy and even get back on the ice. Lindsay openly welcomes these plans, even letting Stanley be the Assistant Captain of the team when he laces up and also letting him practice as a way to rebuild his strength and foster continuing friendships.
“I think being around the hockey team will be good for Jacob,” said Lindsay. “He will get a lot of encouragement and support from the coaches and the guys.”

Photos courtesy of Jacob Stanley Facebook