Video: ICC Linebacker Has Gameplan For Cancer Battle

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) –  An ICC sophomore linebacker is battling cancer and finding out he has a strong support group of friends, family and even strangers.

WCBI’s Allie Martin introduces us to the Tupelo resident who is an inspiration to many.

A quick look at Facebook and anyone can see Ashton Wedel has a passion for sports.  He is a sophomore linebacker at ICC and made big plays at THS on the gridiron and baseball diamond.

Wedel had planned on  working out with the Indians last month, but a trip to the doctor’s office in May changed everything.

“I just had a little lump on my neck and I showed my mom, we went in to get it checked and they started referring us to different doctors and it ended up being cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, they told us officially May 19th,” Wedel said.

Plans were put on hold as Wedel was given a battle plan to fight cancer.  He will undergo six months of chemotherapy then possibly radiation treatments.  He spends a lot of time  watching television.  Whenever he does go out in public, he wears surgical masks, because the chemo weakens his immune system.

Not long after the diagnosis,  his longtime girlfriend and her mom, came up with an idea to help out.

“My mom first said, Ashton is not going to be able to work, so we will need to do a fundraiser  for him, because cancer is not cheap, very expensive,” said his girlfriend, Blakely Lollar.

Nearly 600 shirts were sold in just three weeks and Ashton says it’s encouraging to know he has the support of the community, and another vital weapon , his faith.

“I’m just thanking God for how He’s handling it, taking it day by day, helping me through it. There are definitely some bad days, and He helps me through it just extremely grateful that I have life and for everything I have,” Wedel said.

More shirts will be available in the future.