Leukemia & Lymphoma Talks About Disease After Saunders' Death
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The news of Flip Saunders' death came as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Minnesota held an event at Mall of America on Sunday.
The LLS works to find a cure for different types of blood cancers, including Hodgkin's Lymphoma, from which Saunders suffered. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the immune system and compromises the body's ability to fight infection.
The families at the LLS Light the Night Walk brought out some 1,500 people. Several families said they felt the loss of Flip Saunders deeply, not just because he was a well-known sports figure, but because they have seen first-hand the devastation cancer causes.
LLS is currently helping 3,000 people with blood cancers in the Minnesota chapter, which includes North Dakota and South Dakota.
St. Paul Park cancer survivor Melissa Abduch attended the walk to help find a cure.
"It is never fair and it doesn't discriminate," Abduch said. "Here I am at age 41, a military veteran, mother of three, healthy and loving life."
But Abduch knows everyone has a unique story to tell about cancer.
LLS Executive Director Teri Cannon said there are 150 types of blood cancers and everyone reacts differently to treatments.
With three generations of her family impacted by cancer, even Shoreview resident Maureen Hatteberg was shocked to learn of Flip Saunders' passing.
"My husband was tinkering in the garage and I heard it on the radio so I ran out and said 'Bruce, oh my gosh Flip just passed away,' and we were both stunned," Hatteberg said.
The youngest member of Hatteberg's family to be diagnosed is her 4-year-old granddaughter, Ayla.
"What seemed to be typical nasty cold turned into something more serious," Hatteberg said.
Ayla is now in remission from Leukemia.
"You just don't know with cancer who is going to win the battle and who is not," Hatteberg said.
Suddenly, the Timberwolves coach they had watched command the court for years could have been part of the family.
