Until The Battle Is Won

Palmer’s promising collegiate football career was suddenly interrupted in March 1999. After his freshman season at Alfred University, Josh began to experience persistent fatigue, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss that began to trouble him. Concerned, his mother, Mary, took him for testing, which led to a shocking diagnosis: late-stage Hodgkin’s disease—a rare form of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune defenses. The diagnosis was a shock to everyone who knew him.

He recalls sitting in a hospital waiting room, watching a basketball game, when the doctor called his name. That moment forever changed his life. His doctor, Dr. Rose Byland, found a mass the size of a miniature football in his chest—“it was at least two-thirds the circumference of the chest wall,” she said. His initial reaction was disbelief—an athlete in peak physical condition, suddenly facing a life-threatening diagnosis of late-term Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Palmer admits that he doubted his ability to recover in those early days. "I remember sitting there, not knowing how many days I had left," he said. "I was scared to death, but I also refused to give up." His mother, Mary, and father, Jim, offered unwavering support, and his mentor and basketball coach from Southside, Bill Limoncelli, visited him in the hospital, reinforcing his strength and resilience.

Palmer’s treatment was intense. He endured months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy that left him physically drained and emotionally exhausted. He lost more than 50 pounds, dropping from a healthy weight to a skeletal 119 pounds at his lowest point. Night after night, he shivered under blankets, battling chills caused by the radiation treatment, which also ravaged his taste buds, leaving him with a metallic taste and a diminished appetite.

Despite the physical toll, Palmer refused to surrender. His love for sports and his desire to return to the field became a driving force. While undergoing treatment, he continued his education, completing his freshman year at Alfred University and earning all his credits despite the challenges. His focus remained on recovery, with the hope of returning to the game he loved.

The Josh Palmer Fund quickly became a vital resource for the region. Its annual events—such as the JP Fund basketball tournament, golf tournament, the 100-inning baseball game started by legendary coach and family friend Jeff Limoncelli, and the Pigskin Classic at Mansfield University, started by Sports Information Director Steve McCloskey, Head Coach Joe Gilbert, and Assistant Coach Mike Cerasuolo —raised funds to help local families cope with the financial burdens of cancer treatment. Over the years, the fund has raised nearly $2 million in direct assistance.

Palmer’s story and leadership garnered recognition far beyond the Twin Tiers. He was featured in USA TODAYand other national outlets, inspiring countless others with his resilience and commitment to community service. His message was clear: “You can go to hell and back, but you can also come back stronger.”

Despite the severity of his illness, Palmer’s determination to reclaim his life never waned. In 2000, he was declared cancer-free. His return to football was a triumphant moment—not just for him, but for everyone who believed in his resilience. He earned a spot on the Division II Mansfield University football team, playing as a defensive back in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). There, he helped rebuild the program under Head Coach Joe Gilbert and reunited with his former assistant coach from Alfred—Mike Cerasuolo—an unwavering supporter throughout his battle with cancer, whom Gilbert had just hired as offensive coordinator.

His teammates and coaches saw in him the true meaning of perseverance. Coach Joe Gilbert, who had just started at Mansfield, was moved by Palmer’s story and spirit. Palmer’s mental toughness and resilience inspired the entire team, and he was selected as a team captain.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Palmer achieved a major personal milestone—graduating from Mansfield University in 2002 with high honors, earning a degree in secondary education. His graduation was a celebration of resilience, hope, and the power of community support. After graduating, Josh began his career as a high school history teacher and coach. He stayed at Mansfield University with the football program as an assistant under then-Head Coach Chris Woods. Later, he coached football at Elmira Notre Dame under Coach Mike D’Aloisio, and then returned to Southside High School as an assistant coach for varsity football and head coach for JV basketball. In 2004, he took over as varsity head basketball coach at Southside, succeeding his legendary high school coach, mentor, and hero, Hall of Fame coach Bill Limoncelli.