BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON) – Geoff McArthur is not just thankful to be back at Cal, he’s thankful to be alive.  Four years ago, the Bears’ all-time leading receiver was diagnosed with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and defeated it.  “T hat was probably the most proud of myself that I’ve ever been because I learned so many things about myself,” he told KRON4. “I reoriented what life really is, and I have a greater appreciation for everything that I have. So without that cancer battle I don’t think I would be the man I am today.” But a year later, the cancer returned, and it had spread to his neck, chest, stomach and groin. After fighting for his life once again, McArthur is now in remission.  Rising boxing star from Oakland returns to Bay Area for homecoming fight “It just teaches you to value when you do have health, and everything is going well, you have to be grateful every single day,” he said. “None of us know what’s looming tomorrow. I just surrendered to the fact that we’re all going to die, and nobody knows how that’s going to happen. Prior to that, I lived in fear. I lived in the past about what happened. I lived in the future about what I thought was going to happen or what I was going to get or not get. Cancer just wiped all of that out, and it allowed me to just focus on the present.”  McArthur starred at Cal from 2000-2004, amassing 202 receptions, 3,188 yards and 20 touchdowns. He joined the Bears’ coaching staff this year as an assistant wide receivers coach, reuniting with first-year head coach Tosh Lupoi, his former college teammate.  “It’s like I’m living the dream. It kind of sounds cliché but to play at the University of California, Berkeley, break records and then come back and coach receivers, it’s not really a normal situation. So I feel like I’ve hit the lottery,” McArthur said.   “What I respect about Geoff is he’s a battler,” Lupoi said. “A cancer survivor, and someone that I respect a lot and the players respect a lot. I think he’s around a lot of great coaches here as well. He loves it where he’s learning every day, just like we all are.” McArthur was blown away by the support he received from the Cal community. His GoFundMe campaign raised over $100,000. “I could get emotional just talking about it, but it was like having a funeral but not dying,” he said. “Most people get their flowers when they die, so I was able to experience how well-received I was by the Cal community and others.” As for his current health, McArthur says he feels great. He eats well, takes good care of his body, and sleeps as much as a college football coach can.  “I’m stronger than ever, I’m more positive than ever, and I’m really where I’m supposed to be at and I know it. I’m really happy, to be honest. I don’t think I was happy before cancer. And with all the new realities and re-orientation, I’m just grateful and blessed. I realize how lucky I am,” he said.  ...read more read less