Tweet from Purdue graduate Jessi Weaver started 'Cancer Sucks' movement The 1999 Purdue graduate urged Boilermaker fans to replace "IU Sucks" with "Cancer Sucks" for Saturday's game against Ohio State

Mike Carmin | Journal & Courier

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Tears were starting to form in Jessi Weaver’s eyes.

That’s what she's telling me Saturday morning from her home in Noblesville. This was minutes before the 1999 Purdue graduate, long-time season ticket holder and Benton County native was about to begin her journey to Ross-Ade Stadium for the matchup between the Boilermakers and No. 2 Ohio State.

She didn’t cry. Weaver was close, though.

Weaver was starting to get emotional talking about the “Cancer Sucks” chant that will replace “IU Sucks” to honor 20-year old Purdue student Tyler Trent and all those impacted by the disease, at least at the opening kickoff and possibly throughout the game.

This was her idea. She posted it on Twitter and the wave of momentum soon began. Or, as the kids like to say – it went viral through the social media universe.

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The Ross-Ade Brigade – the student section – supported the idea and made it a priority to its member. Every Boilermaker fan got behind it and pushed to make it happen.

How could you not be for this?

“I cannot wait to say it,” Weaver said as she’s dealing with one of three children in the background. “It’s cool that one little idea will hopefully bring the whole stadium together and really make an impact and an awareness … I’m so blown away by it.”

The “Cancer Sucks” thought came to Weaver in the middle of the night. She woke up but didn’t know how the powerful Twitter Machine would react. Twitter is often an unforgiving place.

She posted it at 10:43 a.m., on Oct. 2.

Hey Boilers! Can we use our voices and replace the chant with “Cancer Sucks” for the @BoilerFootball and @BoilerBall seasons in honor of @theTylerTrent and all affected by cancer? @RossAdeStadium #TylerStrong #Cancersucks — Jessi Weaver (@JessiWeaver1) October 2, 2018

“Do I put that out there?” she asked. “People are so mean and troll you, but it wasn’t about me; it was about cancer. I tagged Tyler in it because I was thinking of him. It was after he announced (he wasn’t coming back to school) and all that kind of stuff. It took off.”

Weaver has followed Trent’s story from the beginning.

His four-year battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Camping outside Ross-Ade Stadium prior to last year’s game against Michigan. His trip to Iowa City to take part in the wave to the children’s hospital. His work to create awareness with the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research and his unrelenting passion for the Boilermakers and the school.

Whether “Cancer Sucks” become permanent is unknown but it’s likely “IU Sucks” returns soon. Ross-Ade Brigade president Steve Mallia said his group is in full support of honoring Trent and everyone impacted by cancer.

Your school loves you too, @theTylerTrent We all feel your strength and are inspired by your will. You are special, and you make us all better. We are with you. Boilermaker4Life — Drew Brees (@drewbrees) October 20, 2018

“Previously, when we had tried to change cheers to make them more PC, of course, we got more flack,” Mallia said. “But something with a cause like this, we haven’t gotten anything negative back from the students. They seemed to be in support of it.”

Cancer has touched Weaver’s family, making her connection to Trent deeper. She’s lost family members, most recently her uncle, Steve Fellure, in August. The funeral was the same day as Purdue’s season opener against Northwestern.

She was in Ross-Ade Stadium that night.

“I had my sign and was thinking of him,” she said.

Weaver has met Trent. She introduced herself to him over the summer in Carmel at a movie theater.

“Hey, Tyler. I know you don’t know me but I’m a Purdue alum and I’ve been following your story and I’ve been cheering for you.’ I told him, ‘Boiler Up.’ ” she recalled.

As Trent’s health declined, he left school to receive extensive care at home. He’s in hospice. His bone cancer is no longer treatable. When Weaver learned Savior’s Serenade would be at Trent’s house earlier this month, she traveled to participate.

“The outpouring of love and support for him was tremendous,” Weaver said. “He’s a Boilermaker through and through.”