Fennell to receive Wilmot Award

Fennell to receive Wilmot Award

The McQuaid baseball skipper is

honored for being a role model.

4/25/02 -- Rochester D&C

Mike Fennell's baseball skills have often put him in the spotlight. An outstanding catcher at Fairport High School and then as a first-team NCAA all-American catcher at Le Moyne College, he was later drafted by the New York Yankees. He spent three years as a bullpen catcher for the Yankees. Through the years, he contributed to winning seasons and several titles.

Now, as a parent and baseball coach, he's a hero to youth and future all-stars, many of whom dream of wearing pinstripes some day.

A year ago, Fennell was diagnosed with lung cancer and he's had a difficult year with seemingly endless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. He's lost most of his hair and some weight, yet his eyes are still bright and his smile is wide.

But it's his positive attitude and drive to beat the toughest opponent of his life that has made him a role model for cancer patients throughout the area.

The James P. Wilmot Cancer Center will present Fennell with the Inspiration Award during the third annual Discover Ball on Saturday, April 27, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. He will join an impressive list of previous recipients including figure skater Scott Hamilton, Army General Norman Schwarzkopf and author Peter Teeley [co-author of The Complete Cancer Survival Guide.]

Ball co-chair Judy Linehan nominated Fennell for the award after learning of his battle during a baseball banquet for her son.

"When I found out how his illness had touched the boys and how supportive they are of him, I knew he was the one to get the award," Linehan said.

Fennell is the head varsity baseball coach for McQuaid Jesuit High School. Last year his Knights won the Section 5 championship. Many players said they had to win it all for their mentor, their hero.

"He had a tremendous impact on the baseball team," said the Rev. James J. Fischer, S.J., McQuaid president. "He struggled to get out to every game possible to see them play -- even when he could just bring in a comfortable chair and sit off on the sidelines. They got this notion that they played every game for him and they were inspired to do their very best."

The 41 year-old Pittsford resident has always relied on his faith in God for strength; this has been especially true when his treatments are difficult. Shortly after his diagnosis, he traveled across the world to Medjugorje, a spiritual haven where people claim to have seen the Virgin Mary and been healed of countless ills.

Fennell and his brother, Tim, went there in hopes of a miracle -- which they found when Fennell was able to climb a steep mountain to be closer to God, despite his illness.

Upon his return from the holy site, located in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Fennell endured further treatment and had bouts of seizures and, for a while, wasn't steady enough to walk more than a few steps unaided. During the championship game last May, he worried about losing his balance when he left the dugout to shout instructions to players or yell at the umpires over a lousy call.

"Baseball gave me a reason to get out of the hospital and I had a great time last season. We had a great team and I knew we were going to go far," Fennell said. "This year's team is going to be another strong one."

Fennell is grateful for the care and expertise he's received from the staff at the Wilmot Cancer Center, including hematologist Kishan Pandya, M.D., radiologist Paul Okunieff, M.D., neurology resident Allison King, M.D. Through the ordeal, he's received incredible support from Patti Messina, R.N., a nurse who's followed Fennell through clinical studies.

"The care we've received has been so wonderful," said his wife, Erin Fennell. "We can't say enough about the way Mike's been treated and we are confident that he's getting the best care available."

Fennell plans to continue coaching his three children who play baseball or softball. His son, Ryan is 11 years old and anxious to join the Knights baseball program. His daughters, Kaelen, 8, and Meghan, 5, spend many spring and summer afternoons at the baseball diamond, playing or watching with their father.

"Mike's fight against cancer has touched so many people in so many different ways," Erin said. "We are so thankful for the number of well wishes and prayers we receive, we hope people know how much it's appreciated throughout our whole family. We believe strongly in the power of prayer."

Editor's note: This submitted story previously ran in the Wilmot Cancer Center newsletter.