Indian Hills Pitcher Struck Out Cancer To Win Scholarship

OAKLAND, NJ — Facing cancer for Joshua Cohen was like facing a batter with a .900 average against him.

But beating cancer is not a numbers game. For Cohen, cancer was just another opponent he had to strike out. And he did.

Cohen was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2016 when he was a junior at Indian Hills High School.

"My first reaction after my mom sat me down and told me what happened, was I ran outside and said, 'why me?'" Cohen said.

The next day, when he saw a doctor, the first question he asked was, "when is the next time I'll be able to pitch?"

Cohen just wanted to get back on the baseball field. That's where everything made sense and that's where he wanted to be.

"I knew I was going to survive. My mind was always on pitching," Cohen said. "I knew nothing was going to beat me and nothing was going to stop me from playing again."

For his perseverance in battling cancer, returning to school, and getting back on top of the pitching mound, Cohen received the Kelly Family Scholarship from The Jay Fund. The scholarship is worth a maximum of $8,0000. Winners were selected based on their leadership ability, academic record, moral character, and financial need.

"I am humbled and grateful for the many individuals and organizations who sponsor these awards and allow us to help cancer survivors continue their dreams," Tom Coughlin, former New York Giants head coach and the executive vice president of operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Cohen's last day of chemotherapy was April 7, 2017. He was declared in remission May 1. He had to reclassify and retake his junior year and did not graduate with his original class.

"I'm happy that I got this opportunity," Cohen said. "Because of this extra year, I've been able to mature and find out who I am as a person. I'm happy where I am."

The ordeal brought Cohen's life more into focus.

"I matured as a kid and learned how precious life really is. You can't take it for granted," Cohen said. "I'm focused on preparing for what's next. It brought a new life to my life and really opened my eyes to a lot of things."

Cohen wants to be a Major League Baseball player one day. He loves baseball more than anything.

"I love the competitiveness," Cohen said. "I love to compete and I love to win. I love the pressure when I'm on the mound. It makes me go."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com