Rebekah Stott, who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion, has released a video revealing that she has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
The 27-year-old New Zealand national, and Defender for New Zealand Football Ferns, said she had two large lumps that were growing on her neck and went to the doctor.
She explains in the video that she wanted to get home as soon as possible in case the results from the biopsy were bad news.
It was a struggle to get appointments and get back to her home country during the pandemic with travel restrictions, quarantine and pressure on the NHS.
Rebekah said she was in quarantine when she got the results around three weeks ago, but was relieved to know exactly what it was.
She explains what's next in the video.
In a post on Twitter, she wrote:
"Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
"I know the journey ahead will be difficult, but I want to face each obstacle with a positive mindset and help inspire others who have blood cancer too.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. "
Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I know the journey ahead will be difficult, but I want to face each obstacle with a positive mindset and help inspire others who have blood cancer too. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JsAORHhLG7
— Rebekah Stott (@stotty_13) March 2, 2021
Her post has attracted hundreds of messages of support online.
Now, Rebekah is preparing for four months of chemotherapy.
Although there are risks, the footballer remains enthusiastic and positive in her video.
She added:
"I want to go through this with a positive attitude, and try and encourage and inspire others to be able to do the same."
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