Bethpage hockey player battles back from brain cancer to return to the ice

One year ago Thursday, Derek Zacchino played for his Bethpage hockey team on Stick It to Cancer Night -- an extra special moment because he was fighting cancer.

News 12 Staff

Dec 19, 2019, 10:57 PM

Updated 1,833 days ago

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One year ago Thursday, Derek Zacchino played for his Bethpage hockey team on Stick It to Cancer Night -- an extra special moment because he was fighting cancer.
When Zacchino went in for an MRI with fluid in his brain, he asked himself 'When will I play hockey again?' The answer was just a few months later amid his battle with brain cancer.
But in the months before his incredible return, Zacchino couldn't skate, experienced double vision, vomiting and headaches. Doctors soon discovered a large tumor on his brain -- it was stage 4 glioblastoma.
Zacchino had two operations to remove the tumor and is now in remission - and back on the ice.
Derek says his love for the game and the love from his community has never been stronger. They've raised $35,000 for cancer research at Cohen Children's Medical Center.
With such incredible support and a new chance to play the game he loves, Derek isn't taking anything for granted.
"Every minute on the ice I love," he says.