University of San Diego Alumni Association

My Goals:

1. To raise $20,000 for the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship
2. To motivate other people to develop their own fundraising campaign

Surviving Cancer

In May of 2008, in separate incidents, I received accidental, but right on target, a kick in the groin from each of my girls.  My kids may not be that big or strong, but they are apparently very, very accurate.  The soreness stayed around longer than usual and then I had significant swelling.  This prompted me to go see the doctor for a physical.  I can’t say for sure, but it would appear that but for the timely ability of my little angels to get my attention, I may not have caught this so early. 

On June 17, 2008 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  Three days later I was in surgery.  The procedure is called a radical orchiectomy.  Emphasis on the word “radical”, as they just take out the whole thing (right one, in case you’re wondering). 

Yes, they did offer me a prosthetic option.  However, I declined until such time as the FDA approves solid gold, platinum or glow in the dark prostheses.

I got to experience 3 months of chemotherapy.  I did 4 cycles of 21 days each.  5 days in a row on an IV for 6 hours each day.  I’d like to say I was strong through this part of the treatment.  However, the effects of chemo broke me physically, mentally and emotionally.  As one of the oncology nurses told me, “the chemo wins, every time.” 

It caused anguish I never could have imagined.   Similarly, I was overwhelmed by the help of family and friends (including many USD alums) who simply carried my wife, kids and I through those dark months.   I am blown away at how kind people can be.

USD Homecoming

I finished chemo one week before the 2008 USD Homecoming weekend.  The Sigma Pi reunion was on my calendar as a goal that helped me get through what was a particularly difficult experience.  During chemo, several USD alums, many of whom were Sigma Pi's, reached out and were incredibly supportive to me and my family.   I threw up for 4 straight days after my last treatment.  I was placed on an IV to rehydrate that following Tuesday.  However, I made my goal and was playing golf at homecoming just 3 days later.  It was rejuvenating to reconnect with so many old friends that I’d lost touch with. 
Recovery at first was slow.  I am now 6 months past chemo and am starting to feel more normal.  All follow up tests so far have been normal.  I’m one of the lucky ones.  Others are not so fortunate.  On the front end, I never would have chosen to go through this cancer experience.  However, having grown through it, I wouldn’t change it.  I have additional purpose to my life and even some great new nicknames.  Uniballer, Battle of the Bulge, Ball of Fury, Uno, Lefty, One Ball Wonder, and Half Man/Half Amazing have all been frequent substitutes for “Dan the Man”. 

Perhaps the lesson of this story is…when life delivers a shot to the groin, it may just be God’s way (or fate for the secular-minded) of bestowing a huge blessing upon you.

 Why the Kyle O’Connell Scholarship.

I knew from the time I was in treatment that I wanted to run as a fundraiser for a cancer related cause.  At Homecoming it dawned on me that the USD community has had a huge impact on me, both while in school and in the 20 years since graduating. 

During freshman year at USD, my dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.   He died during the summer between freshman and sophomore year.  His illness and death was a significant financial burden on my family.   USD restructured a financial aid package that made it feasible for me to stay in school.   That changed my life.
Kyle’s scholarship is important.  Cancer affects everyone.  When someone has cancer it impacts their entire community.  This scholarship is an opportunity for the USD community to significantly impact the lives of its students, who in turn will go on to positively impact others through their careers.  Those dedicated to pursuing the healing arts and cancer treatment are special people.

Running as a fundraiser was an easy fit.  I ran intercollegiate cross country at USD and was team captain in 1988.  I even had the privilege of being an assistant coach during my 3 years at USD law school.