By In January 2022 junior Anthony Langton was beginning to make plans for his future.
Langton was optimistic. His grades were good. His professors were encouraging him. He was in great shape as he competed in the 1,500 for Carroll.
What does the future hold? Return home and start a business? Get his realtors license? Work in finance? The options were endless.
The doctors said it was a stomach ulcer.
Anthony knew it was not. The blood in his stool told a different story.
“I had never experienced something like this,” said Langton, “I immediately went to the doctor.”
Two doctors, two verdicts.
The first: stomach ulcer.
The second: colon cancer.
In April of 2022 Anthony returned home to begin chemo. All he could do now was email his professors, and tell his friends and teammates that he was going home, uncertain if he’d be back.
Four years prior, Anthony had been a senior at a small high school in Portland.
“Carroll was suggested by my counselor,” said Langton. “He knew I wanted a small school with a good business program.”
Anthony, a talented runner, was also interested in Carroll’s track and field program.
“I’ve been running since elementary school,” said Langton. “I run because it’s almost therapeutic, and I like the competition. I didn’t know college cross country was an 8K until I started the first race.”
Get out of your comfort zone, spend time with those you really care about, and make the most of what’s in front of you.
“Tony got injured a lot,” said Joe O’Sullivan, Anthony’s best friend, roommate, and teammate of four years. “Even so, he always managed to push through and put his teammates first.”
While at Carroll Anthony met his girlfriend, Christina Nguyen, a nursing major.
“He is really caring and loyal to everyone he comes in contact with,” said Christina, “He does not have any mean words to say about anyone and truly respects people for who they are.”
Carroll has been the “fresh start” Anthony was looking for, but his time at Carroll is nearly over.
Anthony intends to move back to Portland. He keeps his future plans organized by placing them in a spreadsheet.
“I think my plan is to move back home and get my realtors certificate,” said Langton. “Definitely nothing in accounting ’cause I hate those classes.”
Anthony’s professors confess they might miss him.
“Anthony is always attentive and present in class,” said Annette Ryerson, associate professor of business. “He provides a necessary dynamic to the classroom.”
As cap and gown day approaches, Langton takes time to be grateful for his recovery.
“I would run scenarios,” said Langton. “Every bad outcome would go through my head and give me anxiety.”
Fortunately, Anthony’s sister was in medical school and was able to translate much of the medical jargon.
“Even with cancer he was still trying to run,” said Joe. “He’d always ask how the team was.”
With a determined spirit, Anthony embraced his treatment.
Within six months, he returned to Carroll to finish his final semester.
“Now all that’s left are a few immune therapy appointments,” said Langton.
“I knew I wanted to compliment how resilient and optimistic he is,” said Christina. “Anthony, if you’re reading this, thank you for being you.”
The clean slate Anthony was hoping for when he first attended Carroll has allowed him to quietly bless the lives of so many.
“I’m still running,” said Langton. “I might come out and run with the team one of these days.”
Sure enough, a few weeks later Anthony was back in the same classroom.
“We have no idea what’s going to happen in our lives,” said Langton. “Get out of your comfort zone, spend time with those you really care about, and make the most of what’s in front of you.”
