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70 Show Up To Surprise East Texas Boxing Coach on Last Day of Chemotherapy Treatments

by Augusta Robinson

Publication: Tyler Morning Telegraph

Local boxing coach Shawn Vascocu has reached an important milestone in his fight against pancreatic cancer.

On Friday, Vascocu, 43, of Bullard, celebrated the end of his chemotherapy treatments by ringing the celebration bell at Texas Oncology.

Around 70 family, friends and supporters, who all wore purple, the color that represents pancreatic cancer awareness, cheered him on.

A third generation boxer and coach, for 13 years Vascocu has guided numerous East Texas fighters at Troup Boxing Gym. 

Boxers who have trained with Vascocu have had success in the state and national Golden Gloves tournaments, have competed in the Olympic Trials and scored numerous other accomplishments.

In April, Vascocu’s oncologist Dr. Sasha Vukelja, known as Dr. V, organized a trip for him and his wife, Candace Vascocu, 39, to see boxer Nonito Donaire in a fight in Lafayette, Louisiana.

“He talked to me about 10 minutes about everything going on in my life,” Vascocu said at the time. “I was in shock pretty much when he started talking to me about it.”

On Friday, Vascocu told his crowd of supporters he was thankful that they showed up to surprise him.

“I love all of you,” he added.

Read the full story at Tyler Morning Telegraph.