Surviving Cancer
By: Trudy Van Earden

My name is Trudy Van Earden and I am an 8 year cancer survivor. When I was done with cancer treatments in 2016, a friend thought I would enjoy playing pickleball. I started to play on Fridays with a bunch of women under the direction of Chloe Childers, who started pickleball in Greeley, Colorado, 40 years ago!  We had so much fun. This group ended during Covid – some of us still played outdoors at Kelly Farms. Even when it was too cold to play, we laughed and even wore gloves!

I have met so many women by playing pickleball. I have been supported and been able to support others on their cancer journey. I am not glad I had cancer, but I am glad of the things cancer taught me. 

The Pickleball Community is So Awesome
By: Vicky Fettman

My name is Vicky Gettman. I am a 17 year survivor of breast cancer. I had breast cancer 10 years before I started playing pickleball. The treatments, chemo, surgery and radiation, left me with lymphedema and neuropathy. My take away from that is I didn’t let that stop me from learning to play pickleball. In fact, I think it made me feel like I could do anything! I felt stronger and more confident. The pickleball community is so awesome and I’ve met many wonderful people I would never have known. It wasn’t fun or pretty going through breast cancer, but doable. I hope anyone going through breast cancer will hang in there and believe there is life after treatment. Pickleball is great place to get back to living life and besides that, it is so much fun!!! 

Photo of Trudy and Vicky: taken on 2/2/22 (hence the tutus)

Beating Breast Cancer
By: Sandra Crouch

My name is Sandra Crouch, and as of September 16th, 2024, I am fully in remission from breast cancer. So this month's breast cancer campaign has a whole new meaning for me!

During my entire treatment period I played pickleball. My cancer care team became very concerned when I mentioned it to them at the beginning of my treatment sessions, believing that I had over committed myself. But I'm happy to report that I was able to play until the very last day.

One of the many perks to playing pickleball was how it gave me a much needed boost to my mental state of mind. I love the social aspect and fun factor associated with playing pickleball. It is the best medicine for good health, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So let's play and ladies don't forget to get your annual mammogram!

Photo of Sandra and friends:

Dink for Pink Pickleball
By: Misty Shirley

Dink for Pink Pickleball had its 2nd Annual Tournament this last weekend. We had a little over 80 players registered to play. My name is Misty Shirley and I am a breast cancer survivor. I started playing pickleball in 2022. When I saw Susan G. Komen Foundation, Pickleball for a Cure, I knew I could make a difference. It isn’t just me, it’s my local pickleball community. Both years were very successful and lots of fun for such a great cause, finding a cure for breast cancer. I want to keep growing this tournament and have more and more participants each year. We have women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles being played over 2 days. It doesn’t matter what skill level you are, we have brackets for everyone. I am already looking forward to next year. Remember October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Pickleball, Perseverance, and Hope: My Journey Through Breast Cancer 
By: Olivia Banks

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer this year at the age of 32, it felt like my world came crashing down. Facing the uncertainty of treatment and recovery was terrifying enough, but living in Wichita, far from any direct family, made the journey feel even lonelier. Little did I know that my pickleball community would become the family I never expected—one that would stand by me through every step of the fight. 

Before my diagnosis, pickleball was just a casual hobby, a way to stay active and connect with others. But once the reality of cancer hit, I withdrew from the court, uncertain of how to face people, unsure if I had the energy for the sport I once enjoyed. But the pickleball community didn’t let me disappear. They became my lifeline, pulling me through some of the darkest days. 

Being diagnosed so young added an extra layer of fear and uncertainty. At 32, cancer wasn’t something I thought I’d be facing this soon. But as treatment began, I realized that I wasn’t facing it alone. My pickleball community was determined to make sure of that. 

After surgery to implant my port-a-cath—a device tethered to my chest to deliver chemo infusions—I was terrified. How would I play with this constant restraint? The idea of doing an overhead shot seemed impossible, as the weight of the port felt like a reminder of my illness, holding me down both physically and mentally. But then, the community at Jeff Bally’s courts stepped in. With their encouragement, I made it my mission to not let this tether define my game or my life.

Night after night, I returned to those courts, determined to find my strength again. Slowly but surely, I adapted. With every swing, I pushed past the discomfort, and every overhead shot that once seemed impossible started to feel achievable. My pickleball family was there for every step, never letting me feel alone in this journey.

Beyond the emotional support, my pickleball community showed up in incredible, tangible ways. Some days, I’d open my door to find food left on my doorstep—quiet gestures of care when I was too exhausted to cook. Other days, I’d find a home-cooked meal waiting for me in the fridge at Chicken N Pickle. These acts of kindness gave me nourishment not just physically, but emotionally, as they reminded me that I was cared for and never forgotten.

As chemo took its toll, they stepped up in ways I never expected. One of the most remarkable acts of kindness came from Bobby, a pickleball legend in our community. Bobby mastered the skill of cold-capping—a process that helps preserve hair during chemo—and he came to every single treatment to ensure the caps were applied perfectly. It wasn’t just about saving my hair; it was about giving me a sense of control and dignity during a time when so much felt out of my hands. His dedication was an incredible gift that lifted my spirits more than he’ll ever know. 

What stood out the most, though, was the community’s non-judgmental attitude. Whether I was feeling strong or vulnerable, they welcomed me with open arms. There was no pity, no awkwardness about my changing body or how cancer was affecting me. They treated me like the same person I’d always been—encouraging me, laughing with me, and pushing me to keep playing. That acceptance made all the difference. I could show up as I was, without fear of judgment, and still belong.

Toward the end of my treatment, I faced another major surgery—my double mastectomy. After overcoming the fear and doubt following my port-a-cath surgery, my pickleball family once again encouraged me to not let this procedure hold me back. They rallied around me, reminding me that this was just one more step in reclaiming my life and strength. Their unwavering support gave me the courage to believe that I could get back on the court, even after such a major surgery.

But my journey isn’t over yet. I still have a long road ahead. I’m currently going through radiation every day, along with additional chemo every third week for the next year. Despite the challenges, I look forward to every Thursday night at league. Those nights on the court keep me going, reminding me that while cancer is part of my life, it doesn’t define my spirit.

Pickleball became more than a game during this time—it became a symbol of strength. While chemo wore me down, the time I spent on the court with my community lifted me up. They slowed the pace when I needed rest and celebrated every small victory, both on and off the court. More than that, they allowed me to feel normal again, something cancer had tried to take from me. 

 Looking back, I realize that the pickleball community didn’t just help me survive cancer—they helped me thrive through it. They reminded me that even without direct family nearby, I was never alone. The game gave me joy, but the people—my pickleball family—gave me hope, strength, and the love I needed to get through the toughest fight of my life.

Pickleball Helped Me Through Recovery
By: Tomoko Tamura

Breast cancer causes trouble for many women I know. Some recovered, and some did not make it, to my sadness. Eleven years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have faithfully taken a mammogram each year, and it helped to catch my cancer in an early stage. Surgery and radiation treatment followed. After five years, my oncologist happily released me as cancer-free. Thank God.

After my recovery, my friend taught me how to play pickleball, and I was instantly addicted to it, going to the court almost every day. I never had so much fun playing, and it came with beautiful camaraderie. Now, my playmates have become good friends—we go out for lunch, talk about our personal problems, and care for each other. More importantly, pickleball has been beneficial for my mental and physical well-being. All of my vital signs have improved. My doctors, my husband, and most of all myself encourage people to try this friendly game called pickleball. You’ll realize how much fun you’ve been missing.

I hope my personal experience inspires someone and gives a positive idea of how mutually beneficial health and sport can be. I am happy.

14 Years Later
By: Sally Ahlgren

I’m a survivor of 14 years! I do play pickleball as often as I can for well being, good fitness and social interactions.

A Double Loss
By: David Olive

My story is from quite a long time ago but is still vivid in my mind.

My wife at the time, Rosalind, developed breast cancer in 1994, but beat it back at the time. We joined a support group and used to go to the gym together. We enjoyed our life very much!

After almost 5 years, the cancer returned and after a 9 month illness she passed away at home and that is another story.

When my friend Christie put a notice on Facebook that she was raising money to fight cancer, I just had to give. It brought back other memories of cancer losses, including my sister Christine, at age of 30, a long time ago. Both women were very important to me and I was very sad to lose them.

Since I was only age 50 at the time, I met and married another fine woman Dianne, who has been my bride for another 25 year period. Thank you to the Cancer society who continues to beat back this rotten women’s disease!

Pickleball Keeps Us Going
By: Vaneta McAlexander

I did have cancer twice in my early 50s, and when I retired at 55. I worked with a local new facility to get some Pickleball started because I thought it would be less hard on me than tennis. I still play both (I am 70 now), and honestly depending on how you play, I don't know that I think pickleball is easier on the body. However, it is certainly easier to learn, and I think just the fact that anyone can play because of all the different levels is such a great thing. 

I know that I have looked around on sunny mornings at all of us older folks, with our braces and post surgery scars, laughing and whooping it up! I’m thankful for pickelball providing us the opportunity to show up and play and socialize with folks. 

Pickleball Gives Us a Focus 
By: Jane Beaumont

Three of my players, including myself, have incurable cancer.

The first time one lady with cancer played, who is in her 50’s said, at the end, she felt 15 again and loved it.

The gentleman with cancer who recently started playing said it makes him forget his problems.

Organizing Pickleball, even when I have not been fit to play and in hospital, has given me something to focus on and keeps me going. I am now playing again albeit not back to where I was has given me a focus.

Pickleball Makes Us Smile
By: Cyndie Bouray

My husband is currently under care for cancer. Pickleball provides opportunity to release stress, get exercise, and smile.