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University of Wisconsin-Madison
At the young age of 23, Dan Boeser has already been
diagnosed with and has overcome cancer, a disease that
has the relentless ability to take the lives of many
non-suspecting people. Not only did Boeser put up a
fight more physical than any on-ice battle he was used
to, but he has used his experience to help other cancer
patients who are still in need of support.
A native of Savage, Minn., Boeser arrived in Wisconsin
in 2000 to play hockey. He had two successful seasons
in which he was named a WCHA Rookie of the Week twice
and was a member of the 2002 WCHA All-Star team. During
the off-season after his sophomore year, as Boeser prepared
for another season with his team, he was diagnosed with
follicular B cell lymphoma, a non-Hodgkins form of cancer
that was found near his pelvis.
While in the midst of undergoing 20 radiation treatments
to battle the cancer, Boeser continued to attend pre-season
conditioning sessions with his teammates, mostly for
support, but participating in as many drills as he could.
Even though Boeser would be left weak and nauseas after
the treatments, he was still convinced that he would
be ready for Wisconsin’s opener on October 11,
2002 against Rensselaer.
Named an assistant captain to the team, Boeser played
on that opening night as planned, but soon after was
sidelined for nine games after suffering multiple fractures
to his left hand. He once again made a comeback and
finished the season with the Badgers. His post-season
honors included the WHA-TV Jim Santelli Seventh Man
Award, an award that is given to the player who fans
think gives his all on the ice and best represents the
trademarks of a team spirit and good sportsmanship.
He also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Now in his senior year, Boeser serves as a tri-captain
for Wisconsin while also devoting time to his other
passion of helping children. He coordinates hockey player
visits to every patient at the University of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital, an initiative that began as
a suggestion to Wisconsin Coach Mike Eaves.
After meeting several children during his own radiation
treatment, Boeser decided that he wanted to help the
children get through the very painful process. Through
a series of phone calls, he contacted the Child Life
Department and asked about visiting patients with other
players.
His program has become very successful, as he and the
other hockey players are able to bring some hope and
encouragement to the children’s lives.
"Dan’s warm smile and easy going nature is
obvious as he interacts and converses with each child
and/or patient," said Mary Kaminski, Child Life
Director of the University of Wisconsin Children’s
Hospital. "Through their ongoing visits, Dan has
developed relationships that restore hope and motivation
to hospitalized children,"
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