Cal High junior Davis Bullock was diagnosed with stage four Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) on Jan. 9, and is undergoing chemotherapy.

But those around him know that cancer is no match for the strong-will of Bullock, a three-year varsity soccer player for the Grizzlies. His teammates look up to their captain greatly.

“Every single time, Davis has overcome the hardships in his life, and that is exactly what he will do with this cancer,” said junior Garret Meyer, Bullock’s close friend and teammate.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America describes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma as a cancer of the lymphatic system. It is derived from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and can be treated by a variety of ways, including radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, which uses chemical substances and anti-cancer drugs to attack the cells directly

Currently, Bullock is involved in a 21-day cycle. He spends about one of the three weeks in a hospital bed receiving treatment at the University of California San Francisco, and the next two recovering at home before he has to go back in again.

It was a family decision to agree that chemotherapy is the best option for Bullock. Even though he knows how hard the battle will be, Bullock is up for the challenge.

“Chemo is very aggressive and direct,” said Bullock. “The side effects are difficult to handle and very tiring. I am in good care though, so I am handling it reasonably well.”

Bullock is not attending school right now, but is hoping to return soon.

So far, the journey has not been as smooth as one would hope. During Bullock’s first surgery, his body rejected the plate that was inserted in his chest, and the surgery was unsuccessful. His artery was punctured and his lungs were unable to fill up all the way.

He went into an immediate second surgery because he had lost almost three liters of blood, and was bleeding internally. After a few nights in ICU, Bullock returned to a regular room, and was able to calm down a little.

In fact, after returning to a regular room, Bullock had a very special guest come visit him. Former President Bill Clinton came to talk to Bullock about the new health technology the hospital is now offering.

“Bill was awesome,” Bullock said. “We mainly talked about the new hospital, what the new technology was like, and a bit about my experience there. He was a very kind man.”

Although cancer is a hard disease to accept, Bullock is receiving much support from his family and friends, so his hopes and spirits remain high.

One of Bullock’s closest friends and teammates who has been very supportive to him through this journey is Cal junior Trevor Koehne.

“Davis is a role model to me, and is one of the strongest people, both physically and mentally, that I know,” said Koehne. “If there is anyone who could beat this illness with a positive attitude, it’s definitely Davis Bullock.”

Bullock knows he’s not alone in this battle. He has his friends, family, and teammates.

But most important to Bullock is that he has God. Bullock knows that with God by his side, he can overcome any obstacle in life.

Dina Anderson, Bullock’s science teacher, acknowledges that the initial diagnosis was disheartening.

“This was the last thing and most devastating thing I would ever expect to hear,” said Anderson.

Although junior Evan Dodgion, another close friend and teammate of Bullock’s, agrees, he also knows that Bullock can overcome this disease and return to school.

“The worst part was knowing that there really wasn’t anything for me to do except tell him that we are all there for him,” said Dodgion. “And we all are, fighting for him, and knowing that he will be able to pull through, just like he always does.”

The whole community is here to support him, and Bullock is well aware of that.

“The prayers and support from everyone is always greatly appreciated,” Bullock said. “I don’t really need much other than that.”