4 years ago this March, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer, smack in the middle of compeititon season. After dealing with the shock and telling my own family, I had to figure out what to tell my gym. I was so worried about telling the kids in my program and how they would react to something so scarey, not to mention if I would be able to continue running my gym through all the treatments. The wonderful coaches & parents in my program took over the job for me, and had a meetning with the kids and parents, and explained everything to them that they could. That night, I had an overwhelming amount of emails, calls, and homemade cards and gifts from the kids (and parents) delivered to my house. It showed me that a gym truly is another family, even if not by blood.
That weekend, we had a competition and It was the first chance I had to see everyone. I was sitting by myself, feeling a bit overwhelmed and lost not knowing how to act or what to do, when my entire little youth and junior team came up to me, said I wasnt allowed to be sad for a single min, and gave me massive hugs and kisses and said it was their personal mission that day to make me smile. They did :)
A few mins later, i looked to the door, and my entire family including my husband and (at the time) my 2 young sons had arrived to support me and watch my teams (something that rarely ever happened). All that day, before my teams competed, they huddled in the middle of the floor, and then did a little cheer dedicating their performances to me... and every time, I bawled. At the end of the day, every single coach of other programs approached me and offered any assistance they could with my gym, kids, family or simply to make my family a meal during treatments. I was blown away by generousity of "rivals".
A few weeks later was Nationals, and the day after my team was supposed to leave was my first treatment so I had to miss the trip. The Nationals organizors were AMAZING, assuring me that they would take care of the team when they arrived (only having a young first time coach with them). The coaches and parents took over the trip details for me, and took care of EVERYTHING so I didn't have to worry. They sent me min by min competition updates and brought home lots of treats and gifts from the event (as well as a decent placing!!).
The entire time I was sick, I had (my entire family had actually) the greatest support system from my extended family of my gym, and the other kids and coaches in my area (Yes, even other cheerleaders from other gyms who barely knew me). It was unbelievable. I believe that without cheerleading, things would have been much more difficult and I don't think there is any other sport or activity that would have ever given me as much, even when I didn't realize I needed it. On the 3 yr anniversary of being diagnosed, I was awarded coach of the year, after being nominated by my coaches, athletes and parents for overcoming the odds. I really should have been the ones nominating THEM for everything they did for me.
Every time I think of that time in my life, I remember the mess of feelings I had, how awful I felt, and how scared I was, but I also feel warm and fuzzy when I think of all those AMAZING people who gave their time, energy and love to me and my family, and I will forever be in their debt.
I am happy to say that I made it through, and have been cancer free for 3 years now!
