No One Fights Cancer Alone: Anna Lassiter Battles Leukemia with Support from Piedmont Women's Tennis Family

I was at Emory University hospital from February 5 until March 5. While I was there, I went through my first round of chemo and dealt with many, many side effects and got pretty sick. I am very lucky, and I went into remission just a few days after I got out of the hospital.

When I was first told that Anna was in the hospital and she had just been diagnosed with cancer, I was speechless. Over the next few months, I watched a 21-year old girl whose life changed from practice on Thursday, to getting admitted to the hospital on Monday, to starting chemo, to fighting for her life. Seeing how much she has overcome and still is has been remarkable. Seeing the Piedmont community rally around Anna and try to be there for her makes me realize why I love this school so much.

Anna is an individual who provides a lot of joy and brightness to the team. As her teammates, we believed it was critical that her impact not be diminished by her absence. We are not just her teammates, but also her friends. And I feel grateful that my teammates have stepped up to support Anna.

Anna’s light and joy she brings to our team has truly impacted each of our lives. We are constantly trying to find ways to show our support for her and those battling cancer. We sent coloring sheets to brighten her room, and a group of us had a blast watching the Super Bowl in the hospital with her. Trey (Martin) continues to provide us with ways to involve Anna and keep her present with us even though she might not be able to be there physically. Many things have been done behind the scenes to support her, but it is also important to show support for the entire community she has now become a part of. Thus, the color orange has become a staple of our team. It represents and brings recognition to leukemia.

There are two moments this season I won’t forget for as long as I coach. The first is the moment Anna FaceTimed the whole team while were in Orlando after we just won our match, telling the team she was in remission. There was not a dry eye all around. The second is when she was actually able to come to the match against Salisbury. Just seeing her back on campus, on the tennis courts, and how much she has went through to get to that point is just remarkable.

Trey (Martin) gave the team a banana stuffed animal for us to carry to the matches to remember Anna's presence. The MVP of the match would get to keep the "Anna Banana" till the following match. My teammate, Sarah, and I worked with our coach to design Piedmont shirts that are orange to raise awareness for leukemia. We've also worn orange ribbons at our matches as a tribute to Anna, which other teams have joined in on.

Ever since I got diagnosed, my coach and my team have been so incredibly supportive. Trey (Martin) had orange shirts made for the entire team and my entire family to show support for me. Even some other teams at Piedmont have worn orange for me, and that means the absolute world to me. I think it has been hard on my friends and teammates, also, because a diagnosis like this doesn’t just affect the patient, but it affects everyone around them too.

I couldn’t have asked for a better support system from my team and everyone at Piedmont. I’ve also been so lucky to have support from President Criser and his wife Kimberly, and all of my teachers who are allowing me to finish this semester online. It has been so nice to receive so much support from everyone.

My life right now consists of lots and lots of doctor’s appointments and waiting for test results. I try to keep a positive attitude and tell myself that whatever happens, I will get through it. I’ve learned through this process that the hardest part is 100% the mental battle, and I think that is something that a lot of people don’t realize about people fighting cancer.

Anna’s diagnosis showed the team that the next day on the tennis court is not promised. We are all lucky to be around this sport and our teammates but at any given day it can be taken away from us. If we fight half as hard as Anna has fought for the rest of the season, I like our chances in the regular season and the tournament.