Honorary Saint Evan Franz

GENERAL

Evan Franz, an 18-year-old from nearby Brunswick, New York who is battling brain cancer, was officially introduced and added to the 2021-22 Siena Men’s Basketball roster as an honorary team member on Nov. 11, 2021. “Evan is a resilient and strong young man who personifies how we live here at Siena,” explained head coach Carmen Maciariello. “He is enthusiastic about life, and appreciative of all his blessings. His toughness speaks for itself with his ongoing battle. We are thankful he’s a part of our family.” Maciariello and the Saints first met Evan through Play It Foreward 518, a local non-profit organization run by former team manager Joe Watroba ‘13 and his family, which raises money and awareness to support local children and their families facing illness and hardship. At Siena Men’s Basketball home games each year the Saints, in conjunction with Play It Foreward 518, welcome a patient from the Melodies Center to serve as an honorary captain. Evan previously served as an honorary captain through the program, and the Saints surprised him at his birthday party. An avid Siena Basketball fan, Evan has continued to attend games as well as many team practices. Evan was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in May 2019 which required immediate brain surgery. The location of his tumor impacted his speech and mobility, and the right side of his body no longer functioned properly. Evan spent two weeks at the Albany Medical Center, before being transferred to Sunnyview Rehabilitation where he received speech, occupational, and physical therapy five times per week, learning how to walk and talk again while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation all at the same time. Evan plans to be at as many Siena Men’s Basketball home games as possible, and will be seated directly behind the bench where he will continue to vociferously cheer on his Saints.

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