Florida State student Cole Pridgen walked into Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on April 1 seeking treatment for back pain. Within days, doctors discovered a 10-by-10-by-7-centimeter mass between his liver and pancreas. The mass was diagnosed as Burkitt lymphoma.
“It started off initially with just inconsistent lower back pain that I waved off as muscle strain,” Pridgen said to the FSView in an interview. “Then it started to get progressively worse.”
This rare disease impacts about 1,500 U.S. citizens every year. The majority of Americans who are diagnosed are over the age of 40.
At the time of his diagnosis, Pridgen was a full-time student and had a virtual internship. After being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, he kept up with these obligations while receiving specialized chemotherapy treatments like dose-adjusted EPOCH-R and methotrexate at Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I had the best treatment possible in the entire country,” Pridgen said. “My doctors did everything possible for me to be in the situation I am today and I cannot thank them enough for that.”
Pridgen said that the FSU community and his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), played a major role in keeping him motivated throughout his treatment.
“The fraternity brothers were a major aspect of my support,” Pridgen said. “They made sure I was mentally sound throughout the entire process.”
After seven months of treatment, Pridgen’s fraternity announced that he is cancer-free in an Instagram post on Oct. 14.
“My time at FSU has greatly influenced my mindset throughout all of this,” Pridgen said. “Even when my friends weren’t there physically, they still made sure I never felt alone.”
FIJI brothers reunite with Pridgen after recovery
Jake Chisholm, a FIJI brother and close friend of Pridgen’s, said his strength and humility stood out most. Chisholm recalled the first time the fraternity reunited after Pridgen’s recovery.
“We went to the chapter the same night he came back about a month ago,” Chisholm said to the FSView. “I’ve never seen so much raw excitement and joy from all the brothers seeing Cole for the first time in months. It was a defining moment for a lot of us, seeing him happy and healthy again. If I had to describe Cole in one word, it would be powerful. Cole has an aura and a sense of overwhelming purpose in everything he does since he won his battle.”
In their Instagram post announcing Pridgen’s recovery, FIJI said that his strength and perseverance “serve as an inspiration to everyone who knows him.”
“Cole never complained once,” Chisholm said. “He was struggling and battling for months and never once did he ever complain to any of his friends. That in itself is so impressive.”
Gavin Odenbach, vice president of Phi Gamma Delta and another friend of Pridgen’s, said that his determination never wavered, even during the hardest parts of treatment.
“Cole is that guy, no matter what happened, he always had this killer attitude that he was going to get it done,” Odenbach said to the FSView. “I could be having the worst day ever, but when I see him, it’s like, yeah, we’ve been through worse, it’s time to hold your head high and carry on.”
Odenback said that Pridgen’s attitude has left a lasting impact on those around him.
“Cole’s journey has just been infectious,” Odenbach said. “He just has this ‘get back’ energy and everyone loves it. If I could describe Cole in one word, it would be persistent.”
Pridgen reflects on his cancer journey
“I am thankful every day for everyone’s support and prayers,” Pridgen said. “After beating cancer and being back on campus, I feel like anything is possible.”
Pridgen emphasized that the experience changed how he views life, school and personal priorities.
“Before treatment, I would get overwhelmed by small things like school or social stress,” Pridgen said. “But once I realized that my life was truly at stake, it put everything into perspective.”
Pridgen told the FSView that the illness taught him to slow down and appreciate the present.
“I’ve realized everything could be taken away from you in just a split second,” Pridgen said. “Now I’m making sure I’m prioritizing my health and valuing all the friendships and experiences I have here.”
Pridgen credits his recovery to his support system, especially his parents and girlfriend, Tia Sampson, who stayed by his side through every challenge.
“My parents were a massive support system throughout my entire process,” Pridgen said. “I seriously cannot thank them enough for being right there by my side. My girlfriend has been the most inspiring and courageous person I could’ve ever asked for, a source of courage and strength, she was always there for me when I needed her the most.”
Pridgen credits Sampson with flying up to Virginia during his five-day-long infusions and recovery during her pursuit of a career in medicine and graduation.
“She has done more for me than anyone can imagine and I am beyond thankful to have her in my life,” Pridgen said.
Now back at FSU, Pridgen has resumed classes as a computational science major and is conducting his senior thesis on lymphoma cancer detection, hoping to help others in the future.
“Have faith, continue praying and just have the most positive mindset possible,” Pridgen said. “It’s very easy to dwell on the negatives, but with an optimistic outlook, you can achieve anything you can imagine.”
Health resources for students at Florida State University
FSU Director of University Health Services Amy Magnuson reminds students that help is always within reach.
“Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Magnuson said to the FSView. “Many students feel overwhelmed or anxious, but University Health (UHS) Services provides confidential, inclusive and student-centered care. Whether it’s checking in with a healthcare provider, meeting with a counselor, or attending a wellness event, taking that first step often leads to relief and empowerment.”
For more information about UHS, visit their website or call their phone number, (850) 664-6230.
Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: ‘He won his battle’: FSU student Cole Pridgen announced cancer-free
Reporting by Staff Report / FSU News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
