The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

CSM offensive coordinator Mike Dovenberg talks with sophomore wide receiver Jermaine Jackson at Wednesday’s football practice at College Heights Stadium. Dovenberg returned Monday after undergoing 13 months of treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia in June 2018. He is now in remission. Photo by Terry Bernal / Daily Journal

CSM offensive coordinator Mike Dovenberg talks with sophomore wide receiver Jermaine Jackson at Wednesday’s football practice at College Heights Stadium. Dovenberg returned Monday after undergoing 13 months of treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia in June 2018. He is now in remission. Photo by Terry Bernal / Daily Journal

The birthday party last week for College of San Mateo assistant football coach Mike Dovenberg seemed like an ordinary bash — a weekend barbecue Sunday, July 28 to celebrate his 30th birthday.

After a long battle with leukemia and 13 months of treatment at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center, Dovenberg’s 30th birthday was anything but ordinary.

Now in remission, Dovenberg returned Monday to CSM for the Bulldogs’ first official practice of the upcoming 2019 season. He was met by a rousing welcome prior to taking the field when he walked into the team meeting room.

The rest of the story can be found in the San Mateo Daily Journal