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Outpouring Of Support For West Michigan Teacher Battling Cancer

Posted at 5:30 PM, May 01, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-01 19:55:14-04

Hazel’s Wilderness BoundCEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (May 1, 2014)–A West Michigan community is coming together to support a beloved teacher, coach and friend battling cancer for the second time.

Scott Hazel taught at Cedar Springs for nearly 20 years and is also a soccer coach; he had to take leave earlier this year as he undergoes treatments for liposarcoma.

It was former Cedar Springs teacher, Cliff Young who knew he had to do something when he heard about Hazel’s recent battle with cancer.

He organized a charity basketball game where current and former Detroit Lions players take on a group of community members to raise money in support of Hazel.

Among those star players are 4-time Pro Bowler Herman Moore, Cory Schlesigner and Tahir Whitehead. The players will sign autographs after the game and there will be a silent auction.

Young’s idea grew into more than he ever expected with nearly 900 tickets sold, a testament to the number of lives Hazel has touched.

Kaitlin Hazel, Scott’s daughter says it’s inspiring to see the fight her dad has put up and while she knew he had impacted people’s lives, she never realized just how many people he inspired.

“He’s is like my best friend and always there for me and everybody and its just amazing, he’s like a superhero honestly,” she said.

Young says over the past few weeks one person after another have been asking how they can help, a great show of support for a man who gave so much to his community.

The game is Saturday at Cedar Springs High School, for more information about times and tickets: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/637955566257917/