TicketsCINCINNATI – Mitch Stone, who served as an inspiration for the 2009 University of Cincinnati football team, passed away suddenly on Jan. 20, 2021.
Stone, 23, was originally 'adopted' by the football team through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a foundation that sets up children with brain tumors with a sports team, in July 2009. The Bearcats welcomed Stone to the family with a standing ovation at a team meeting.
He was an inspiration for the team, attending several practices and games when his health allowed. He exchanged messages and videos with players throughout the season, with both groups helping each other through tough times. Stone led the team out of the tunnel at the 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl to cap off the undefeated 2009 regular season.
His story was featured in the New York Times in October 2009.
"We are heartbroken to lose our dear son, but grateful that in his short time spent here on earth he impacted so many," Dee Stone, Mitch's mother, said in a Facebook post. "Mitch had a long road with his cancer diagnosis at the age of 11, but he came out the other side healthy and fit. He was a truly good and caring person--everybody liked him. He always took the time to listen and appreciated a well-told story and a good laugh. He loved UC football, collecting weird things, thrift shopping, running, hiking & camping, spending time with his family and many, many friends. He will be in our hearts forever. We are grateful for your prayers and support."
Mitch went on to start his own foundation, called Mitch's Mission which focused on helping children who faced some of the same health challenges he had faced. Mitch's Mission held an event on campus for several years called Playdate with The Bearcats, which involved UC student-athletes and coaches. The money raised through the event was used to help send those children to summer camp for one week at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio.
He later attended UC, starting off his freshman year by leading Down the Drive in front of the student section at a football game against UT Martin. Stone completed his bachelor's degree in 2020 and was part of Kolodzik Business Scholars, an honors program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Following graduation, he was learning the family optical business and rehabbing a house he purchased with his twin brother, Nick. His mother Dee said he had plans to open a store in Clifton so he could be close to two of his favorite places, UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Former UC QB Tony Pike, a captain of the 2009 team, shared his thoughts in a tweet.
"This one is too tough," Pike said. "Mitch Stone meant so much to me and the '09 team, changing lives forever! Fighting, and beating cancer, with a smile the whole time! Accomplished so much and was just starting! My thoughts are with the whole family! A Bearcat forever."
Mitch is survived by his mother Dee, father Anthony, twin brother Nick and sisters Paisley and Piper.
Memorial arrangements are pending.
RELATED STORIES
• Bearcats Good Luck Charm Returns To Tackle Freshman Year – UC.edu (2016)
• UC helps Stone family pay it forward – UC Magazine (2011)
• A boy and a team mutually inspired – UC Magazine (2009)
Stone, 23, was originally 'adopted' by the football team through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a foundation that sets up children with brain tumors with a sports team, in July 2009. The Bearcats welcomed Stone to the family with a standing ovation at a team meeting.
He was an inspiration for the team, attending several practices and games when his health allowed. He exchanged messages and videos with players throughout the season, with both groups helping each other through tough times. Stone led the team out of the tunnel at the 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl to cap off the undefeated 2009 regular season.
His story was featured in the New York Times in October 2009.
"We are heartbroken to lose our dear son, but grateful that in his short time spent here on earth he impacted so many," Dee Stone, Mitch's mother, said in a Facebook post. "Mitch had a long road with his cancer diagnosis at the age of 11, but he came out the other side healthy and fit. He was a truly good and caring person--everybody liked him. He always took the time to listen and appreciated a well-told story and a good laugh. He loved UC football, collecting weird things, thrift shopping, running, hiking & camping, spending time with his family and many, many friends. He will be in our hearts forever. We are grateful for your prayers and support."
Mitch went on to start his own foundation, called Mitch's Mission which focused on helping children who faced some of the same health challenges he had faced. Mitch's Mission held an event on campus for several years called Playdate with The Bearcats, which involved UC student-athletes and coaches. The money raised through the event was used to help send those children to summer camp for one week at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio.
He later attended UC, starting off his freshman year by leading Down the Drive in front of the student section at a football game against UT Martin. Stone completed his bachelor's degree in 2020 and was part of Kolodzik Business Scholars, an honors program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Following graduation, he was learning the family optical business and rehabbing a house he purchased with his twin brother, Nick. His mother Dee said he had plans to open a store in Clifton so he could be close to two of his favorite places, UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Former UC QB Tony Pike, a captain of the 2009 team, shared his thoughts in a tweet.
"This one is too tough," Pike said. "Mitch Stone meant so much to me and the '09 team, changing lives forever! Fighting, and beating cancer, with a smile the whole time! Accomplished so much and was just starting! My thoughts are with the whole family! A Bearcat forever."
Mitch is survived by his mother Dee, father Anthony, twin brother Nick and sisters Paisley and Piper.
Memorial arrangements are pending.
RELATED STORIES
• Bearcats Good Luck Charm Returns To Tackle Freshman Year – UC.edu (2016)
• UC helps Stone family pay it forward – UC Magazine (2011)
• A boy and a team mutually inspired – UC Magazine (2009)