This Saturday, Feb. 7, UC Irvine women’s basketball will hold their annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The game has special meaning for sophomore Lauryn Madsen as she will be playing for her grandmother, who is a breast cancer survivor.
By Lauryn Madsen
My Nana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. I remember hearing this news and feeling so much uncertainty. Cancer is such a scary word, and as a young girl I didn't know what this meant for my grandma. Although this was some of the worst news she could’ve received, she never let this diagnosis take away from the joy she brought to our family. Whether she was learning the latest dance moves or trying out silly snapchat filters, she was always up for a good time and found humor in everything.
During chemotherapy she had lost her hair which was one of the biggest adjustments she had to make. Although this was such a big change for her, one of my favorite memories came from this time. She had brought over the wigs she got for herself, and my siblings and I played dress-up with her. She always knew how to bring light and laughter to a situation when it may not have been easy.
Her faith in Christ has been such a great example to me. She took every step in her journey putting full trust in God, knowing he had a plan for her, and a plan to protect her. By the fall of 2020 she was in remission, and is cancer free to this day.
I hope her journey can be a reminder to anyone battling cancer, to find joy and strength and to make the most out of every day.
She is one of the strongest women I know! I love you Nana!
