This story first appeared on PiedmontLions.com
DEMOREST, Ga. – Each new season is full of sudden challenges and hurdles. However for Piedmont girls’s tennis, the 2024 season has introduced on a distinct type of problem, one which nobody may have been ready for.
After feeling fatigued within the early weeks of apply main as much as the season, senior Anna Lassiter was recognized with acute myeloid leukemia on February fifth. She spent a month at Emory Hospital present process therapy and her most cancers is now in remission, though her battle will not be completed.
Learn extra to listen to from Anna in her personal phrases on what her battle has been like, and the way her teammates and Piedmont household have supported her by her battle. Additionally, hear from her teammates and coach on the inspiration from Anna’s battle and the way they’ve rallied round a beloved teammate and buddy.
“I used to be at Emory College hospital from February 5 till March 5. Whereas I used to be there, I went by my first spherical of chemo and handled many, many unwanted side effects and acquired fairly sick. I’m very fortunate, and I went into remission just some days after I acquired out of the hospital.” – Anna Lassiter
“Once I was first advised that Anna was within the hospital and he or she had simply been recognized with most cancers, I used to be speechless. Over the following few months, I watched a 21-year outdated lady whose life modified from apply on Thursday, to getting admitted to the hospital on Monday, to beginning chemo, to preventing for her life. Seeing how a lot she has overcome and nonetheless is has been outstanding. Seeing the Piedmont neighborhood rally round Anna and attempt to be there for her makes me understand why I like this college a lot.” – Head Girls’s Tennis Coach Trey Martin
“Anna is a person who offers quite a lot of pleasure and brightness to the crew. As her teammates, we believed it was important that her affect not be diminished by her absence. We’re not simply her teammates, but additionally her pals. And I really feel grateful that my teammates have stepped as much as help Anna.” – Lizzie Ivey, Teammate and Good friend
“Anna’s mild and pleasure she brings to our crew has actually impacted every of our lives. We’re always looking for methods to indicate our help for her and people battling most cancers. We despatched coloring sheets to brighten her room, and a bunch of us had a blast watching the Tremendous Bowl within the hospital together with her. Trey (Martin) continues to supply us with methods to contain Anna and hold her current with us although she may not be capable to be there bodily. Many issues have been completed behind the scenes to help her, however it is usually essential to indicate help for the complete neighborhood she has now change into part of. Thus, the colour orange has change into a staple of our crew. It represents and brings recognition to leukemia.” – Sarah Row, Teammate and Good friend
“There are two moments this season I will not neglect for so long as I coach. The primary is the second Anna FaceTimed the entire crew whereas had been in Orlando after we simply received our match, telling the crew she was in remission. There was not a dry eye throughout. The second is when she was really capable of come to the match towards Salisbury. Simply seeing her again on campus, on the tennis courts, and the way a lot she has went by to get to that time is simply outstanding.” – Trey Martin
“Trey (Martin) gave the crew a banana stuffed animal for us to hold to the matches to recollect Anna’s presence. The MVP of the match would get to maintain the “Anna Banana” until the next match. My teammate, Sarah, and I labored with our coach to design Piedmont shirts which are orange to lift consciousness for leukemia. We have additionally worn orange ribbons at our matches as a tribute to Anna, which different groups have joined in on.” – Lizzie Ivey
“Ever since I acquired recognized, my coach and my crew have been so extremely supportive. Trey (Martin) had orange shirts made for the complete crew and my whole household to indicate help for me. Even another groups at Piedmont have worn orange for me, and meaning absolutely the world to me. I feel it has been arduous on my pals and teammates, additionally, as a result of a analysis like this does not simply have an effect on the affected person, nevertheless it impacts everybody round them too.” – Anna Lassiter
“I could not have requested for a greater help system from my crew and everybody at Piedmont. I’ve additionally been so fortunate to have help from President Criser and his spouse Kimberly, and all of my lecturers who’re permitting me to complete this semester on-line. It has been so good to obtain a lot help from everybody.” – Lassiter
Though her battle will not be full, Lassiter is able to face her new challenges head on, with help from her household, pals, teammates and coach.
“My life proper now consists of heaps and many physician’s appointments and ready for check outcomes. I attempt to hold a constructive perspective and inform myself that no matter occurs, I’ll get by it. I’ve realized by this course of that the toughest half is 100% the psychological battle, and I feel that’s one thing that lots of people do not understand about individuals preventing most cancers.” – Lassiter
“Anna’s analysis confirmed the crew that the following day on the tennis courtroom will not be promised. We’re all fortunate to be round this sport and our teammates however at any given day it may be taken away from us. If we battle half as arduous as Anna has fought for the remainder of the season, I like our probabilities within the common season and the match.” – Trey Martin
To remain updated with the progress in Lassiter’s battle, go to right here Caring Bridge Hyperlink: https://www.caringbridge.org/go to/annalassiter
