Fighting for the biggest victory of his life

Former Sprague football coach Robin Hill in the second round of his battle against cancer

This is probably the most difficult writing I have ever tackled.  It involves a coach and a friend of more than a quarter century.  There is a paradoxical blend of concern, determination and optimism.  And thanks to the predictable agreeability of Robin Hill, I was given the chance to see him face-to-face for the first time in several years—separated by the gulf of the COVID pandemic.

In the fall of 2021, Hill—the longtime football coach of Sprague High School—revealed that he was battling cancer. Specifically, the medical beast is called Specifically, the medical beast is called Double Hit Lymphoma-an uber aggressive form of the disease.  Over the course of the fall and winter, the coach received six rounds of chemotherapy, confident that it would turn the tide against the large growth in his chest.  The tumor did shrink, but sadly, returned back to its original size.  It was a decided let down.

But Robin Hill was not deterred, and announced through his wife Karen, that a new treatment plan would begin in March.  It involved three new rounds of chemotherapy, followed by stem cell transplant (bone marrow) efforts, using the coach’s own DNA as a weapon against the cancer.  (You can follow Robin’s efforts on Facebook at this link.)

I sat down with Robin this week.  He greeted me at the door and we shared a brief hug.  I could feel the tears trying to leak out of my eyes.  This was not going to be easy.

We sat together in the midst of his tastefully furnished condominium in South Salem.  Wife Karen sat close by.

This week marks the third and final chemo treatment Hill is set to receive.  And if all goes according to plan, he will spend four weeks at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland while doctors collect his stem cells for eventual return to his body as a cure for the “stupid cancer” (his words) still firmly entrenched in his 67 inch frame.

This second approach might sound like a Hail Mary, but Robin Hill is filled with boundless confidence.  He has seen stem cell treatment work before—on his little sister.

“For 15 years, my sister had it—lymphoma similar to mine,” whispered Hill, his vocal cords paralyzed by a tumor.  Karen was diagnosed in 2005, and had the stem cell procedure done in 2012.

“She went through a stem cell transplant… and now, after 15 years, she is cancer free.”

Robin has also watched some friends receive stem cell transplantations and he feels the procedure has been pretty successful.

“It’s going to be a very trying, grueling period of time, but it’s certainly going to be worth it.”

When it comes to maintaining his upbeat view during this ordeal, Robin points to his wife, family members and friends as those who have kept his emotions afloat for these many months.  Karen is one who makes sure he takes all of his medications, and works to keep his weight up.  Robin proudly says he can eat ice cream every night, with her blessing.  His children have also been a real encouragement when pain and weakness encroach on his day.  They are his inspiration.

“I love my family.  I just don’t want to give up on them.  I am willing to do whatever it takes.”

Robin blows a quick kiss to Karen across the room.

In a reflective moment, the Coach shared what his crisis has done to show him personally how he has impacted the lives of his own players.

“I was lucky enough to do something that I loved… I had such great coaches growing up who impacted me, so I wanted to do the same for them.”

Robin pauses briefly.

“I didn’t really realize the kind of impact I did have until after I got cancer, and then people were sending messages of support, and thanking me for everything I did… it was pretty special. It made me real excited about the kind of career I had.”

“I feel grateful that I’ve been able to do what I loved to do.”

We both choked up for a moment.  It seemed fitting.

This also seems like a fitting place to conclude this insight into Robin Hill’s battle against cancer.

The old Olympians football coach is still the same positive, determined force of nature that has made him such a fan and player favorite.

In this battle between cancer and the patient, my money is on Robin Hill.