Mendham Boy Who Battled Brain Cancer Signed To FDU Football Team

MENDHAM, NJ — A Mendham eight-year-old who battled brain cancer signed an honorary National Letter of Intent to join the Fairleigh-Dickenson University - Florham football team.

Ethan Geller joins the FDU Devils through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit organization that looks to create vibrant team based support systems for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

Geller was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2015, and following brain surgery, six weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy he is cancer free.

"We feel blessed that he is cancer-free now which is what every parents wants," his mother Lisa Geller said. "There is a long process of returning to feeling physically normal and by being part of a football team like this, it provides that feeling of 'I will be able to do those things.'"

"We are really excited as a football program. Ethan's work ethic and his perseverance is something that everyone in this program can learn from," head coach Brian Surace said. "What he's been through and his positive outlook on life is something that we'll treasure forever."

It was a family affair: Geller's seven-year-old twin brothers, Dylan and Beckett, also joined the team as honorary members.

"To have him sign on the dotted line today, April 23, it's a special day for this program and something that will be remembered in the history of FDU football," Surace said.

The Geller family will be participating in the annual Valerie Fund Walk & 5K Run at Verona Park on June 10th. All proceeds go towards helping children with cancer and leukemia. Anyone interested in participating on Ethan's Ninja Warriors team can register for the event here.

Image via YouTube Screenshot