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Philidelphia Flyers Article

Read the Article online at www.philadelphiaflyers.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

When Todd and Amanda McGovern were married last year, the couple expected precious moments and years of happiness growing old together. Little did they realize that soon after returning from their honeymoon, their lives would be turned upside down.

What was originally diagnosed as pain in Todd’s abdomen caused by stress, further medical testing proved to be worse. Much worse. He was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer, the most advanced and serious stage for this type of cancer. In this stage, Todd’s cancer has metastasized (spread) from his colon into his abdominal cavity.

Initially, the newlywed’s reaction was utter disbelief. Then, almost immediately, Todd put on the same game face and displayed the same fighting spirit that he had done so often playing ice hockey during his days at Colby College in Maine. He would face this battle like he had done so many times before against opponents on the ice…head on.

Almost a year later, Todd is still fighting, and winning his battle with cancer. After several aggressive rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, his latest meetings with doctors have left the couple feeling much more encouraged.

“The original diagnosis was colorectal cancer and as I speak today, I am officially cancer free. But, it is something that they are going to monitor and continue to stay on top of,” Todd said.

Enter Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. Upon reading about Todd’s story on the couple’s official web site, www.gov21.com, Hitchcock took the time to pay Todd and Amanda a special visit in April to their Allenhurst, New Jersey residence. He came away amazed.

“It was an absolute honor and pleasure to visit Todd and Amanda,” Hitchcock said. “The dignity and class that Todd has exhibited and his strong will to fight this terrible disease is amazing. It is a true testament of his ch Hitchcock presents Todd with his own Flyers jersey. aracter.”

Hitchcock spent almost two hours with the couple, even sharing lunch and taking a walk with them along the Jersey shore. Before leaving, Hitchcock presented Todd with his own personalized Flyers jersey and invited him down to a Flyers practice and game once the NHL resumes play.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to meet one of the leaders in the NHL,” Todd said. “Just to have him take time out of his day to come and meet a stranger and cheer me up and boost my morale, that was a great experience.”

“We talked about hockey in general and we talked about the Flyers and what they are looking to do in the future and hopefully getting back on the ice. He really encouraged us.”

As Amanda states on their web site, “we are still in the game and are one step closer to raising the Cup.” On behalf of the Flyers, we are with you all the way!