As three athletes battle cancer, their families unite through the journey

(Undated) — Peter Falci, 18, is recovering from embryonal carcinoma. Marcus Josey, 17, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Maddie Hill, 18, fought lymphoblastic lymphoma, and now a bone marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

All three teenagers played high school sports in York County, and the local community rallied around them through their battles with cancer. Each inspired a Twitter campaign:#PrayForPete, #MarcuStrong and #FightLikeHill.

And the families of all three have leaned on each other for support throughout their journeys.

“There’s a bond between cancer moms and dads I can’t describe,” Josey’s mother, Andrea, said. “No one else can understand.