Staying Husky Strong
Posted on June 28, 2024
David Little '94
Husky Strong: Friendship, Family, and the Power of Bloomsburg Alumni
David Little '94 recently established a scholarship in honor of his cherished friend and fellow Bloomsburg graduate, Todd Hitz '93. This scholarship stands as a tribute to Todd's memory and a testament to the enduring bond between Bloomsburg alumni and the profound support system they provide one another during life's most challenging times.
David's journey to Bloomsburg began in his senior year of high school when he and his twin brother, Derek, received some interest from the Bloomsburg Baseball program coming out of Susquenita High School in Perry County, Pennsylvania. Despite initial concerns about college entrance, he and his twin brother, Derek, decided to explore the university, eventually enrolling in summer classes that paved the way for their attendance in the fall. It was at Bloomsburg that David met his future wife, Kelly Watters-Little '93, and began forming friendships that would last a lifetime.
David's family has always been his rock. His wife, Kelly, works at SEI Investments, his oldest daughter Madison is a graduate student at Villanova, and his younger daughter McKenna is studying Communications at Temple. David himself works for City National Rochdale. The strong familial bonds and deep connections to Bloomsburg have been a constant source of strength and inspiration for David.
One of the most significant friendships David formed was with Todd Hitz, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1992. Todd's unwavering dedication to his studies, even in the face of illness, allowed him to graduate in 1993. His resilience and positive attitude left a lasting impression on David. Tragically, Todd passed away twenty years later.
On July 4, 2012, David received a call from Todd's wife, Chrissy, informing him that Todd was in hospice. David and Derek immediately visited Todd, who was watching a Phillies and Mets game. They spent time reminiscing and sharing stories, profoundly moved by Todd's calm acceptance of his situation and his selfless focus on others during his final days.
Years earlier, David and his teammates had tried to establish a scholarship in Todd's memory but were unsuccessful. However, David's own battle with cancer reignited his determination to honor Todd. In December 2022, after a routine colonoscopy, David was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. His wife, Kelly, immediately mobilized their Bloomsburg connections, leading to rapid and comprehensive medical care at UPenn, thanks to the efforts of Amy Campbell-Lorenzo '92, a nurse practitioner and fellow Bloomsburg alum.
David underwent aggressive chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and radiation treatments. Throughout this grueling process, the unwavering support from his Bloomsburg family lifted his spirits. Daily messages from his brother and teammates and videos from friends Chris Pagotto '93 and Melissa Kane-Pogatto '94 became a source of strength. Visits from Guy Hilton '93 and Dana Yazinski-Hilton '93 provided emotional sustenance.
“I had some good days and some bad days, but there were more good than bad,” David says. “But when I had bad days, I just reflected back to that meeting with Todd years ago and thought about how he handled the hand he was dealt. I may not have had a plan, but the man upstairs had a plan for me, and whatever that plan was, we were going to keep on fighting.”
A particularly poignant moment came when Bloomsburg Baseball Coach, Mike Collins invited David to share his story with the Bloomsburg baseball team during homecoming weekend in 2023. The team's encouragement and a heartfelt video message from fortified David's resolve.
“From my wife and her alumni network to my friends and teammates, to coach Collins and the Baseball team, it took the support and encouragement of all my Family and my Bloomsburg Family to get me through,” David adds. “I am so grateful for every person and every text message and note they sent, just to let me know they were there and to remind me, ‘Hey, you got this!’ Without them, I honestly don’t know what would have happened.
David's fight culminated in a moment of pure joy when he was declared cancer-free on March 5, 2024. As he rang the bell to mark the end of his treatment, surrounded by friends and family, he thought about those who had no one to celebrate with them. This reflection further fueled his commitment to giving back.
By establishing the scholarship in Todd's name – The Team Little Husky Strong Honors Todd Hitz Baseball Scholarship – David not only honors the memory of his friend but also expresses profound gratitude for the Bloomsburg community and his alumni network for pulling him through. The scholarship symbolizes the strength and resilience that come from enduring friendships and the unwavering support of alumni, embodying the spirit of "Keep Swingin" that has guided David through his toughest days.