Resilient athlete graduating high school while battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma

 

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Avery Dixon was in the weight room just like any other elite high school athlete getting ready to play in college. Until a few months ago he felt something was off. So he went to the doctor with his mom.

"As soon as the physician walked in I knew it was more than just a cyst," said Jeannine Dixon

It was stage three Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While most of the family cried, Avery was a rock.

"I was more worried about her. I knew I was going to be okay because I'm just a positive person. So I was trying to make sure she was going to be okay," said Avery.

"Avery was pretty positive like mom we got this, don't worry," said Jeannine.

That positivity has been steady through two surgeries and the first two of his four chemotherapy cycles. It's that mindset that allows him to joke around as he lost his hair and makes him an example to all the younger kids with him at the hospital.

"I sometimes laugh with the little kids, I just want to make them feel strong or not as scared as they are. I more understand why G-d put this on me. He knew I could take it. I feel like I'm saving someone else from it," said Avery.

Avery is set to graduate from Wauwatosa West this weekend and thankfully, he will be able to attend the ceremony in person and even give a speech.

"(I will) Tell my classmates to take their tassel from the right to the left and throw it up in the air. I'm thankful for that moment because I really want to tell my school how much I respect every single one of them for the support they gave me," he said.

That support ranges from friends and family shaving their heads with Avery, to shirts and bracelets that have been sold to raise money. There's also a GoFundMe organized by Avery's Aunt that already raised more than $20,000. You can find that information here.

As for football, it isn't going anywhere. Avery's coach at Upper Iowa University already told him the scholarship will be there waiting for him.