From Patient to Smokey and Beyond

Cancer Survivor Turned UT Sports Mascot Celebrates Graduation

Connor Solsbee, a former patient at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, celebrated a major milestone by walking the stage at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to receive his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. Along with his diploma, he also revealed a special secret: for the past three and a half years, he has been serving as Smokey, the university's mascot. His journey is a remarkable testament to his resilience, having beaten cancer at the age of 16. Connor's vibrant personality shines through in his dedication to Smokey at athletic events, campus activities, and even a wedding!

Connor said, "Walking through my cancer experience changed me forever. As much as I hoped everything would go back to normal after diagnosis and treatment, it shook up my whole world. Trusting in God and maintaining hope in something bigger than my circumstance has allowed me to adapt to this new normal after treatment, seeking growth and grabbing life by the reins. Whatever you’re walking through, keep fighting, don’t give up, and hold onto the bright spots, even when it’s hard. The small victories are still victories, after all!”

The journey began when Connor started coughing up blood, which prompted his family to seek medical attention. His pediatrician quickly identified a mass in the back of his throat, leading to an urgent trip to the hospital. Connor was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that impacts the immune cells responsible for fighting infections. After spending time in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and undergoing a tracheostomy, he returned to school roughly five months later.

Now, Connor's time in Big Orange Country is coming to a bittersweet conclusion. His next chapter will take him to Wisconsin, where he will work as a project engineer for a medical equipment company, continuing his legacy of making a difference in the lives of others.