He overcame cancer, now MLS is awarding his humanitarian efforts: the story of Matt Lampson, Chicago Fire goalkeeper

“Professional Goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire, Ohio State Buckeye, cancer survivor, LampStrong Foundation, Inc. president, athlete, Miami Dolphins Fanatic.” This is the brief twitter description of Matt Lampson in which he manages to condense much of his life story to only a few lines. Lampson, who overcame Hodgkin lymphoma, stated that he never wanted to be described as “that goalkeeper with cancer.” Rather, he said he prefers that people think, “Wow, he is a great keeper. I cannot believe he overcame cancer!” This is someone who upon discovering his diagnosis said, “What do I have to do to defeat it?”

He was not quite the perfect patient. For example, he desired not to give up sandwiches, despite the dietary recommendation of the nurses to do so. This being one of many experiences he recounted with a smile. In many respects, however, he has been nothing short of exemplary. His LampStrong Foundation, active since 2014 in the United States and Canada, has been helping patients and families fight cancer. Help, support, and the hope to turn out like him is the underpinning which drives Lampson and those still fighting cancer. MLS gifted him their humanitarian of the year award which Lampson dedicated to all those who helped him throughout his struggle and to all those associated with his foundation. “Thank you all once again for your unwavering support, and I am unbelievably thankful for everyone that has made this accolade possible.”