German goalie keeps playing despite incurable brain tumor

Cancer isn’t supposed to happen. And it’s really not supposed to happen to young people. And even more, it’s not supposed to happen to athletic, fit young people. But it does. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and can happen to anyone at any me and 28-year-old Robert Muller, father of two and an elite hockey goaltender for Germany. Robert played in the world championship earlier this year.

His brain tumor was first found in 2006 and he underwent surgery and had both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. But, the type of cancer Robert has, glioblastoma multiforme – the same type that Senator Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with – is very aggressive and has no cure. And, sure enough, Robert’s brain cancer returned in early November.

He continues to play hockey, much to the amazement and admiration of his many fans. His story is much like the much-loved Finnish hockey player, Saku Koivu, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2001. Saku is the captain of the storied Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. After undergoing rigorous chemotherapy, Saku stunned the hockey world by playing April 8, 2002, just in time for the season’s play offs. Saku remains cancer-free at this point and is a major source of inspiration for many.

While Robert’s cancer is different and his prognosis is worse, these two men have done a lot to help raise awareness and hope among those who are living with cancer.

My hat off to both of them and all the wonderful medical and health professionals that helped and continue to help them.

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Tags: german hockey goalie robert muller, robert muller photo, Montreal canadiens captain saku koivu, photo saku koivu, senator edward kennedy, ted kennedy, glioblastoma multiforma, brain tumor, brain cancer, non-hodgkins lymphoma