Skip to main site navigation Skip to main content

Virtual Tour | Visit Campus | Contact Us | Apply Now

Utica University Logo
  • Academics
    • Programs
    • Online Programs
      • Online Business Programs
    • Honors Program
    • Graduate Study
    • International Ed & Study Abroad
      • Study Abroad
    • Exceptional Faculty
    • Research & Experiential Learning
      • Experiential Learning Courses
    • Student Support and Success
    • Schedules, Catalogs, and Resources
    • Institutes and Centers
    • Utica University at Florida
      • Tuition and Fees: ABSN Program
      • Accepted Students
    • Current Offerings
    • Program Details
    • Themed Pathways
    • Planning Sheet
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Understanding Financial Aid
      • Value
      • Excelsior, Explained
      • University Scholarships
      • Annual Awards
    • Applying For Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Utica Campus Programs
      • Online Programs
      • ABSN Program
    • Net Price Calculator
    • Pioneer Passport
  • Admissions
    • First-Year Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
      • Articulation Agreements
    • Graduate Admissions
      • Graduate Inquiry Form
    • International Applicants
      • International Inquiry Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Visit
      • Utica University Campus
      • Virtual Tour
      • Why Not Fly?
    • Apply Now
    • Contact Us
    • Accepted Student Info
    • High School Counselors
    • High School Bridge Program
  • Community
    • Living on Campus
      • Res Life and Student Living
      • Campus Engagement and Student Activities
    • Satellite Locations
    • The Utica Area
      • Hotels and Restaurants in the Utica Area
    • Utica Stories
    • About Utica
  • Athletics
    • Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Esports
  • News & Events
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Apply Now
  • Directory
  • About
  • Library
  • Logins
Utica University

Giving of himself to help another battle cancer

  1. Utica Community
  2. Utica Stories
  3. Giving of himself to help another battle cancer
Pat Gagan 20

On Saturday, October 12, the UC Pioneers were victorious in more than just the scoreboard as they took on St. John Fisher in the third annual Believe Bowl, to benefit cancer patients and children.

Why is something like the Believe Bowl so important to the UC Football team?

Just ask Pat Gagan ‘20, former left tackle for the Pioneers, currently serving as assistant offensive line coach for the team. A business major from Pittsford, NY, Pat gave of himself to help someone fighting cancer, literally.

When Be The Match, the global leader in bone marrow transplantation, came to the Utica College campus in search of possible bone marrow donors, 120 Pioneers stepped up to be tested. 

Then Pat got the call.

Three physicals and four rounds of bloodwork later, physicians determined that he was indeed a good match for a 22-year-old male with leukemia. The patient had exhausted chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and Pat was his last hope. 

Pat, along with his dad, flew to Washington for bone marrow donation surgery at Georgetown Medical Center. It’s a serious surgery, as surgeons drill into the donor’s pelvis and remove 1.5 liters of bone marrow. 

Uncomfortable with any personal notoriety, Pat tells this story only so others will be tested and will consider donating as well. The initial test is a simple cheek swab; if someone matches a patient at 70% or more, the medical team will ask for bloodwork.

“I can’t say enough about the doctors at Georgetown, The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation and Bethematch.org,” he says.

The feeling is mutual.

"The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation is so honored and proud of your selfless commitment to give someone a second chance at life," representatives of the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation posted to social media. "Thank you Pat! And thank you to UC Football for your continued support!"

Pat credits his parents and the way he was raised for his generous nature. “I didn’t think twice. I couldn’t go to sleep at night if I said no to someone’s last shot.”

Honoring volunteer firefighters and families facing a cancer illness, as well as the children of the Thea Bowman House, a non- profit organization in the city of Utica helping the most vulnerable children in the community and their families unlock their full potential, the third annual Believe Bowl was played at Gaetano Stadium on October 12. 

The Pioneers won against St. John Fisher College 34-28. Special fundraisers at the event benefited the Believe 271 Foundation for firefighters battling cancer, and for children of the Thea Bowman House.

For more information on bone marrow donation, visit bethematch.org.

More Stories

Shelly Nunno Evans conducts orientation with DPT Students in June 2025.
On Campus

Physical Therapy doctoral students keep things moving

Though Commencement ceremonies bring the Spring semester to a close in May, the Utica University campus doesn’t stay quiet for...
John Cormican, with gray beard and hair down to his shoulders, wearing black glasses and a blue sweater, stands in front of book shelves and smiles.
Faculty

The World According to Cormican

He taught his first class when he was a freshman at Jefferson Township High School back home in Indiana. Not...
Utica University
Student

Utica University Announces Spring 2025 High Honors and Dean’s List

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephanie Nesbitt today announced the Utica University Spring 2025 semester High Honors...
All Stories

I would like to see logins and resources for:

For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.

Utica University Logo
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube
  • Academics
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Admissions
  • Community
  • Athletics
1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
Map & Directions
(315) 792-3006
Contact Us
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Bookstore
  • Disability Learning Support
  • Student Right to Know
2025-2026 College of Distinction2025-2026 Private College of Distinction2025-2026 Business College of Distinction2025-2026 Education College of Distinction2025-2026 Nursing College of Distinction2025-2026 Career Development College of Distinction2025-2026 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction2023-2024 Military Friendly (Silver)