Calgary high school football player tackles stage 4 cancer diagnosis

Kane Hart's community is rallying around him as the high schooler fights non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It's taken away his ability to play, but not his enduring spirit

There is no other place Kane Hart wants to be than on the football field, but the 17-year-old is tackling a different opponent than most high school football players.

Hart has stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“My bones are not healthy and not strong. It’s really hard for me because that’s one of the biggest outlets I have for my mental health,” said Hart.

Since being diagnosed in mid-February, Hart has spent little time outside of the Alberta’s Children’s Hospital.

Thursday marked the first time he attended in-person classes, since going through treatment for over 100 days.

“He’s very popular, just like in general,” said longtime friend Hannah Walsh.

“Everyone’s been saying hi to him, seeing him again. He’s like on so much love and support.”

The football community in Calgary, and a pair of local businesses are rallying behind the Henry Wise Wood student, setting up a fundraiser Friday at Shouldice park.

Rohan Wadhwani, Founder of Birdie Restaurant is donating food and his skills in the kitchen for the event.

“If my family was going through this, I would want the community to step up and help us out. I believe in karma, what goes around comes around.”

The money raised will help pay for Hart’s post-secondary aspirations. Hart’s uncle, Andy Volstad says the family is full of emotion.

“It takes a village,” Volstad said. “We found out we have a whole city. It’s amazing.”

Hart will continue chemo until August. In the meantime, he says he’ll be enjoying every minute he gets to spent outside the hospital, and not just at Friday afternoon’s fundraiser.

“I’m attending mine and my girlfriend’s grad, hopefully, if everything goes right.”