Tyler Russell story from today's BC email

Purebred Dawg

Redshirt
Feb 3, 2009
580
2
18
Its good to hear when guys get it. #17 does and I wish him luck. Sorry if Germans, wasn't on pg 1.

SHARING ANOTHER RECENT EMAIL… </p>

My Bulldog Blues Have Come and Gone....</p>

As the Bulldog football season begins, I wanted to share a special story about a very special MSU Bulldog...Tyler Russell # 17 QB.</p>

My name is Cathy and I am a retired school teacher and cancer survivor. I am also a lifelong Bulldog fan and an MSU Alumni of 1978. Last summer, on June 28th I was diagnosed with cancer and did not have a very good prognosis. My life took a detour that was shocking, but in the end I would not trade it for anything! My family and friends supported me and my faith was stronger than ever! I took it all day by day with the knowledge that I was in good hands either here on earth or with my heavenly Father.</p>

I had the pleasure of teaching Tyler Russell as a 7th grader at Magnolia Middle School in Meridian, Miss. He was a kind and mannerly young man. I can remember when he came back to visit me his senior year and told me he had committed to playing for the MSU Bulldogs!! My heart was filled with joy for him, and for me, because football season is the highlight of every year, but knowing he would be playing made it even better!</p>

After I got sick last year, I must say that the football season lifted my spirits and kept my mind off of the fatigue and side effects of chemotherapy. But...what really made the football season so wonderful was Tyler's kindness and awesome show of support of me and what I was going through. That precious young man wore my PRAY FOR CATHYMC prayer bands that my friends and family had distributed so that the prayers would continue to go up for my healing. Tyler wore one on EACH WRIST in every game!! The bands were maroon and white for my Bulldogs and they "just happened" to match his uniform! People from all over noticed him wearing the prayer bands and were inspired by his selfless gesture of encouragement!</p>

It is funny to think of it now, but I know that we were both "cheering" for each other on game day and everyday! He truly inspired me and I wanted everyone to know that # 17 is a special young man with a huge heart! Tyler and I not only share a true love for MSU, but we shared an entire season of bald heads too!! He sent me a picture in his jersey with the message "Bald is Beautiful!! </p>

I will never be able to express my appreciation and admiration for him. I am now 100% cured and because of his compassion and winning Bulldog season, I can honestly say that my "Bulldog Blues" are a thing of the past!</p>

Good luck to Tyler Russell and the rest of my Bulldogs!! Have no fear…I will be watching and cheering every game!!</p>

GO DAWGS!!! </p>

Sincerely,</p>

Cathy</p>