(Photo provided - Pictured L to R: Corry Stewart, Luke Gdowski, Isaac Vandenbaugh, Luke Conger)
By Knox Hargis
MTN Sports Reporter
April 5, 2020
Father Ryan junior Luke Conger stepped onto the court for the first time in over a year this basketball season.
Conger was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and quickly had surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery was successful, but a tumor was located in his abdomen three months later when Conger returned for a routine scan. He went through nine weeks of chemotherapy and went into remission just a week before school started.
“It was nice being able to do basic things like get out of bed on my own again and walk around whenever I want to,” Conger said.
Conger still had to take everything one step at a time. Even though he was back in school, he had to work his way back to playing basketball.
“I was not able to do anything until about a month and a half before the season started, so I was really out of shape,” said Conger. “I got back in shape a little bit and then the doctor cleared me a week before our first game.”
This season obviously meant a lot to Conger as he was able to get back on the court doing what he loves.
“Missing moments and key games was the hardest part for me because you want to be on the court helping the team but you just can not do it,” said Conger. “I also missed the guys and the bond we created with each other but like I said, nothing you can do about it.”
Conger’s positive attitude has continued for him and he has learned to appreciate the little things.
(Photo provided - Luke Gdowski on May 8, 2019)
“Now I just have the attitude of ‘I get to go to practice’ not ‘I have to go to practice and work hard,’” said Conger.
Conger is in now taking every precaution with COVID-19 because of his weak immune system. He can not go outside or leave his home as he is considered high risk due to his recent battles and he appreciates everyone taking their own precautions as well.