Former Saint Mary’s University football star dies of cancer

Jean-Michel Sylvain, a former Saint Mary’s University football star, has lost his battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.

Sylvain was named the Outstanding Lineman of the Year in 2001. That’s the same year the Huskies took home the Vanier Cup.

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Sylvain was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer, known as osteosarcoma, a year ago.

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Last week, some of Sylvain’s family, friends and former teammates got together at his Halifax home to help their friend out. More than a dozen former football players, including UBC football coach Blake Nill, worked to paint the families deck, rake leaves and trim trees in the backyard.

WATCH: Family, friends, former football players rally around man diagnosed with rare cancer

Sylvain leaves behind a wife, Trilby, and two young children.

There are two separate fundraisers happening to try and help the Sylvain family. Anyone interested in donating to a trust fund for the children can click here.