How do you even begin? You know that Hollywood story of the good looking star quarterback who is not only exceptionally talented, but also a truly good person that faces major adversity and then rallies at the end of the movie for a glorious ending? That is this story and we want that ending, but right now we’re at that lousy part where the true struggles begin.
Anton Amundrud is the University of Saskatoon’s starting quarterback (Go Huskies!) on a full scholarship and even accepted the invite to join the Saskatchewan Roughrider’s training camp this past spring. A couple of weeks ago Anton was experiencing some symptoms that resulted in him being taken off the field. Tragically, the diagnosis received earlier this week is T cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma and HLH - an extremely rare and aggressive combination.
In football, a quarterback calls an audible when the unexpected happens and a new strategy is needed.
This is that time. Instead of preparing to lead his team to the Vanier Cup, Anton is currently in hospital receiving his first round of chemotherapy. But one thing we know about him, is that he is stubborn as hell. When the defense stacks up and the play breaks down, he adjusts, adapts and keeps the play moving forward. That’s our game plan and we need your help.
Paul and Jenn, Anton’s parents, have not left his side since the moment this began and have spent the last two weeks in hospital with him day and night, barely sleeping and holding him through every horrifying moment. They obviously have been unable to work throughout all of this and realistically will not be able to return to work for quite some time. Their main focus right now is Anton’s health, his comfort and being with him every second as he begins an intense treatment journey that no young adult should ever have to endure.
This fundraiser is to help ease the overwhelming financial stress that comes when life kicks you without warning. Together, we can cover the costs of travel away from home, accommodations, meals, time away from work and the many unexpected costs that come with long term hospital stays on top of the regular bills that keep coming in, unaware that the world has collapsed.
Through all of this, Anton’s coaches and teammates have shown unbelievable support. They have rallied around him and his family with so much care, strength, and encouragement. Their love for Anton has been deeply felt, and the family is incredibly grateful for the way the Huskies community has stood behind him. Let’s show this family that Anton’s team is more than The U of S Huskies…it’s every player in the game, every fan in the stands and every friend on the street.
We believe in comebacks.
We believe in heart.
And we believe that with the support of his community, Anton can beat this — one yard, one play, one day at a time.
If you can donate, share, pray or simply send love their way, it is appreciated more than you know. Thank you and God bless ❤️
A message from the family:
As a family, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read Anton’s story. This has been the hardest and scariest time of our lives. Watching someone you love so much fight for their health is something you never think will happen to your family until it does.
Anton is our son, our brother, an uncle, a grandson, and a nephew. He means everything to us. Seeing him sick and still trying to be strong for everyone around him is both heartbreaking and inspiring. We are doing our best to be there for him every step of the way, but being away from work and home for this long has added a heavy financial weight on top of an already emotional time.
We are incredibly grateful for every person who has prayed, shared, donated, or held Anton in their thoughts. Your kindness and support have given us strength on the days that feel impossible.
From our family to yours, thank you. Thank you for helping us stand beside Anton while he fights. Thank you for loving him from near and far. Your support means more than we could ever put into words.
With love and gratitude,
Anton’s family