On January 25th, 2019, the results were delivered from pathology. Abby vividly remembers laying in her bed with her parents on the left side and the doctor at the foot of the bed. The doctor said I had Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Her eyes, once again, welled up with tears. And, once again, there was a long silence. Breaking the silence, Abby turned to her parents and uttered the words “I’m sorry”.

Recovery after the surgery was long and arduous. Abby had to learn to walk again, to eat, to shower, write, and everything in between. On January 31st, 2019 she was finally able to go home. The drive home, in an ice storm, was terrible, but, all she could think about was what her future was going to look like.

March 4th, 2019 was Abby’s first radiation treatment. Her treatments were hard, 2-3 hours of stillness lying face down. This continued for six weeks, five days a week. Thirty radiation treatments. After radiation she endured 56 weeks of chemotherapy. There were a lot of nights spent in the hospital. The fevers and nausea seemed unbearable at times.

April 7th, 2020 was Abby’s last chemo appointment and the first day on the road to rebuilding and recovery. Two months later her port was removed, and she started in-person physical therapy. After 2 months of continuous therapy, it was volleyball season, and she was ready to get back to the sport she loved. It has been two years since she was able to join her teammates on the court. Abby made the varsity team and was named team captain. Her strength, perseverance, dedication, strong will and persistence allowed her to lead her team both on and off the court. At the end of the season Abby was awarded the WIAA Spirit of Sport award. Her coach, Coach Lew, nominated Abby and he made certain they were aware of her bright spirit. Abby is deeply grateful for Coach Lew, not only was he an exceptional mentor and coach, but one of her biggest supporters throughout her journey.

Not too long after the season ended Abby found herself in a familiar yet different role. Coach Lew had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She has been supporting him, just as he did her, with words of encouragement, comfort baskets and more.

Abby graduated high school this year. She plans on attending UW – La Crosse in the fall and will major in accounting. She continues to fight every day to get stronger.

COVID-19 threatened the American Cancer Society’s ability to fulfill its lifesaving mission. But because of supporters like you, the American Cancer Society is still investing in groundbreaking research, helping connect patients to local resources, available 24/7 via live cancer helpline and advocating for patients at every level of government.

Right here in Wisconsin, the American Cancer Society estimates 36,520 people will be newly diagnosed with cancer and 11,700 will die from cancer this year. Help us help them. Nicolet is donating $75 to the American Cancer Society for every new home or office delivery customer. Get refreshing Nicolet artesian water delivered to your doorstep. It’s good for you and good for the planet.

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