A Fort Carson soldier battling cancer wins medals at Warrior Games
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)- The Department of Defense Warrior Games wrap up tomorrow, July 25. The games aim to highlight the achievements of active-duty and retired military personnel who have been injured by showcasing their participation in adaptive sports.
KRDO13 met with an Army Sergeant First Class, currently battling stage four colon cancer, who competed in multiple sports and won some medals along the way.
This summer, Army Sergeant First Class David Hong is celebrating 16 years in the military, following a life-changing event in July 2022.
"It was a colonoscopy that didn't really end well...There was a blockage, and they had to do surgery the following week," said Sgt. Hong. "After I recovered for about two weeks in August, they put a port on my left side, and I started six months of chemotherapy."
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer.
Hong isn't letting his diagnosis get in the way of his competing in the Warrior Games.
"It's been such an honor to be here with other athletes, soldiers, and families. That goes through different challenges of their lives, and it's just the ability to connect with other people," said Sgt. Hong.
This is his first time participating in the games, and he's competing in five adaptive sports. He said the most challenging one is sitting volleyball.
"You need to be very agile sitting down, and it humbles you because I feel like a lot of times, you know, standing up sports compared to sitting down adaptive sports, it really humbles you. And they humbled me," said Sgt. Hong.
In every game, his family is right there showing support. Hong said they're the reason why he won't give up that easily.
"It just feels great. It's, you know, I really could rely on my faith, my personal faith with god and and just my family," said Sgt. Hong.
Hong said these past few days have been all about unity.
"Regardless of what branch it is. We're all fighting for one thing, and that's...do our best and to keep on fighting," said Sgt. Hong.
Next year, the Warrior Game will be in San Antonio, Texas.
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