Jessica Breland fighting cancer

Jessica Breland

In a story I wish I did not have to talk about (that came out a couple of days ago), it’s been reported by the university that North Carolina Jessica Breland, an in state junior from Kelford, N.C., has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is undergoing treatment at UNC Hospitals. And if you are thinking that I didn’t report about this story because it is sad, you would be wrong, I just missed it, and going to talk about it now. From what an online article is saying of the situation the forward is being treated with chemotherapy. Dr. Ciocco of UNC Sports Medicine says that the young woman should respond to the treatment.

“Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a very curable form of cancer,” Ciocca said in a statement. “Factoring in Jessica’s age and her overall good health and athleticism, we anticipate a positive response to her treatment. Her condition will be monitored closely here in Chapel Hill and she will continue to be reassessed throughout the summer.”

Head coach Sylvia Hatchell also had a statement about this sad story:

“Obviously, this news came as a shock to everyone, but Jessica is a fighter and I know that she will attack this with the same attitude and energy she brings to the basketball court,” head coach Sylvia Hatchell said. “Our focus is 100 percent on helping Jessica to get better. The entire Carolina Basketball family is with Jessica, and we will continue to provide her with our full love and support throughout her battle.”

Sometimes I wonder why I am so gun ho Tar Heel, and then in strange ways/forms I see it all over again. I love my school, but not just for the sport, not just for the titles, I love it because I care about it and care about any and all that have been part of our beautiful campus. But being proud of being a Tar Hell comes with a price, and that price is simple (in my opinion), it’s caring. When you read a story like this one you do not think about sports or national championship, you think about the human being, the young woman that is facing this and you pull hard for her, as hard as you can, as hard as you ever have pulled. So Heel fans pull as hard as you can for her, because that person is part of what you are, because she is part of the “Carolina family”, and that isn’t something to be taken lightly.

As I wish any and all Tar Heel, all the best to Jessica as she fights through this. My prayers and thoughts will be with her every step of the way, and hopefully the words of Dr. Ciocco are correct and she will be able to get past this and live a healthy life!

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