Late into sophomore year
Nick Paquette, a student athlete for the State University of New York at New Paltz men's basketball team, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer; Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Since then Paquette, now a junior, has fought his way back to a normal life.
Paquette worked hard over the summer to get back into basketball shape, and although he will have to live with the disease for the rest of his life, he is ready to get back on the court and prove to everyone he can still play. Paquette doesn't have to wait long, as he will suit up for the Hawks Nov. 17 when they kick off their season at Muhlenberg College.
SUNY New Paltz student James O'Neill sat down with Paquette prior to the season and asked about his journey, living with disease and getting back to playing the sport he loves.
So Nick, last semester you received news that you were diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Can you describe the feelings and emotions you had when you first heard this news?
Nick: When I was first diagnosed, I was in complete shock. It came as a huge surprise. My whole life I've been a relatively healthy kid and just to have news like that is life changing. As I started getting treatment, though, I started to realize I can live with it. I don't think about it twice, and it's never on my mind when I wake up. If you don't really think about it, it doesn't affect you. All you can do is stay positive, and it'll do wonders.
When did you first pick up a basketball after being diagnosed, and what was the transition like to come back?
Nick: I was in the hospital for a week. When I came out I just slept for days. Two or three days later I wanted to see what I could do, and went out and shot free throws. I was so sore, but
every day I would go out for a little longer. Before I knew it I was heading to the gym about a month after. My muscles had to adjust to the medication, but once I got in a routine, I started going to work. I could have sat on the couch and done nothing, but my parents encouraged me to stay active. My doctor told me if I felt good, I should just do it.
Your junior season of basketball is coming up soon. Are there certain goals you've set for yourself for this season?
Nick: I really would love to make any of the all-SUNYAC teams. That has been my goal since I was a freshman. I want to show everyone that it doesn't matter what happens, you can still achieve your goals no matter what. I want to prove everyone wrong and perform at the top level and not be affected by my condition. I want to show people if you have a goal in mind, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
What do you believe is going to be the biggest challenge for you this season?
Nick: In general, just my health still. At times when I'm playing I still feel fatigued. Getting my confidence back and knowing that I can still be the player I once was will be a challenge, but if I really work for it, it won't be an issue. I was playing with it the whole season and had no idea. Physically I was broken down, but coming back I just want to get after it. No regrets. I only have two more years left, so might as well make the most of it."
I've seen through social media that there have been multiple fundraisers dedicated to you. Can you give some details on them?
Nick: Well, The first one we had was great. It was set up through my high school. Big 3-on-3 tournament with almost 400 people there. A lot of my teammates that I played with from over the years were there. It meant the world to me and let me know that I'm not alone in this process. It was surreal at first, but then it kicked in like, 'this is all for me.'
If you could give any words of encouragement to someone who may be in a similar situation as you, what would they be?
Nick: Stay positive. Always have a positive mindset. If you think you're going to get better and get past something like this, you're going to. Your body will listen when you think positive. You always have to look on things on the bright side.
When you graduate from SUNY New Paltz next year, how do you want people to remember you as you move on to the next stage of your life?
Nick: I want people to remember me as the man who didn't let anything affect him. I want people to know that I kept pushing. I want to serve as an inspiration, and I want people to know that you can do anything you set your mind to.
