Former men's basketball player, Patrick Saunders, was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease and his first kidney was removed when he was only two years old. His remaining kidney has been failing, and is now functioning at a level where a transplant will be necessary. Luckily for Patrick, his mother Debbie is a willing donor and a perfect match.
Saunders, a 2013 Union-Endicott graduate and Alumni of SUNY Broome, played for the Hornets during the 2013-14 season. He is currently working on his Bachelor's Degree at SUNY Cortland.
On Sunday, October 16th, the family held a Pasta Dinner Benefit to raise funds for the expenses both Patrick and Debbie will incur from their surgeries. Attending the benefit were past and current members of Broome's basketball team along with the current head coach in support of the Saunders' family. Patrick's brother, James, also played for Broome during the 2015-16 season before transferring this year to SUNY New Paltz.
Both Patrick and James were presented with the game jerseys they wore during their playing careers, as a symbol of the connection between their family and the SUNY Broome men's basketball program.
We wish both Patrick and his mother the best through their surgeries and hope for speedy recoveries.
