Athlete Of The Month Archives
All articles written by our website sports writer, Alex Avram
July 2007
MISS ADDISON SEWELL
Birmingham United Soccer Club Player
Miss Sewell was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. She is a 14 year old soccer player for the
Birmingham Untied Soccer Club located in Alabama. Addison's story was passed on to me by
BUSA Club Staff Director, Coach Andrew Brower. Not only has Addison faced her
own demons but she has also helped her Mother fight Breast Cancer. As you read her story
below, you will see how being an athlete-playing soccer has helped Addison through these
difficult times. It is clear that Addison has been and still is a true inspiration to her teammates
and all who know her. After reading her story you will find her courage, strength,
determination, faith and maturity, at such a young
age, to be an important lesson for us all!
KEEP THE FAITH, ADDISON!..............Alex
Here are a few words from BUSA Angels Coach Jana Brauer, Addison's Soccer Coach.......
"I was introduced to Addison Sewell about two years ago and the minute I met her I knew she was an amazing person. Her radiant personality shines through her teammates, friends, coaches and most importantly her family. Addie is a bright young lady who has a great attitude about life and everything she does. You will never see her without a smile on her face or a joke to tell.
I was honored when I found out my coaching assignment was with the 93' Angels. I have seen this wonderful group of girls grow this past season. Each one has shown faith, commitment and strength when they heard the news about Addie and from that moment they put everything they had into each practice, game and tournament for her. In the end, they had an outstanding season.
During try-outs for the upcoming Fall season there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted Addison to be a part of her team. She is a key component to this team and I am honored to coach her for the first time. Addison is an exciting young girl, full of laughter, happiness and and most of all strength. I am truly blessed to know such a wonderful person and friend."
THE INTERVIEW
Addison Sewell
by Website Sports Writer, Alex Avram
(Scroll down to read a short BIO on Miss Avram)
1. When did you first learn about your illness and what were the symptoms that lead you to the doctor?
" I was diagnosed on April 24th, which was just 3 days after my 14th birthday. I had been feeling very tired and had little energy for a couple of weeks. I was doing two sports at the same time (track and soccer) and thought I was just tired from that. I also had a really stopped up nose that we tried to get rid of for several weeks with antibiotics . After spending the weekend in Florida at a soccer tournament and having a hard time with my energy my mom decided to have me tested for Mono. They drew my blood and my White blood count was very high. I was sent to Children's Hospital to have the test again and that is when they told me I had AML Leukemia. (Acute Mylogenous Leukemia)"
2. What did this news mean for you as an athlete?
"The doctors were surprised that I had been able to play both sports without any other symptoms. I will not be able to play contact sports for a while and really do not have a lot of energy for some work outs but I am trying to keep some what in shape. I think I will be able to continue to go to practice and do some of the stuff like juggle and work on foot skills but will not be able to play for a while. I really have missed soccer and track a lot. "
3. If, for any reason, you could not continue on as a player, would you be interested in Coaching?
" I have really not ever thought about coaching but I guess if I can't continue to play I would like to something that involves soccer. Maybe help out with Rec. teams or something. "
4. How has your Mother's own personal battle with Breast Cancer helped you through this difficult time, in your own life?
"The biggest help was when I lost my hair. She and my whole family were there to comfort me, she knew how I felt. I know it will eventually come back, but it is still really hard. She knows what it is like when I don't feel well and knows how to get things done when I do feel good. Chemotherapy makes you have a really bad taste in your mouth but she knew some foods to eat that would help that. Just knowing that she has gone through it all helps me know I will get through it."
5. Tell us about the strength and support you receive from your teammates and coach.
"I don't know how to begin with this question. Everyone has been unbelievable. My friends, my soccer team, my school, everyone. While in the hospital all the girls would come to the room after soccer practice to see me. They would bring books, magazines, Grey's Anatomy tapings, and a whole lot more. When I was able I would go and see them at practice. I surprised them at the last tournament this spring in Memphis and spent the whole weekend with them. It was so nice to spend a normal weekend away with my best friends just like being a regular 14 year old. Thanks is just not enough."
6. Do you feel being an athlete helps you at times like this and if so, how has soccer helped you?
"The first night when I was in the hospital a soccer teammate father came to see late that night and we were sitting there together some what at a loss for words (still in shock) but he told me that soccer has prepared me for what I was about to have to do for 6 months to a year. All the practice, conditioning, discipline that I have done for soccer was going to get me ready and help me through what he said was the biggest game of all. That I was strong and healthy, and knew how to fight my way out of situations and never to give up. I would have to agree with him. That any sport anyone does if they are committed to it will help you to over come anything. "
7. Do you have any religious convictions and if so, how does that help you?
"That goes without saying. There is absolutely no way that I will ever get through this without Gods help. I reflect on his words and passages daily. We talk so much everyday I don't even have to tell him who I am... he recognizes my voice! "
8. What have you discovered about yourself since learning of your illness?
"That I don't complain even when I am disappointed. I have lots of people who love me, I can and will get through this, but most of all their are a lot of people who are suffering from illnesses and they need all of our prayers and compassion and help. "
9. What advice would you give any other athlete who may be sharing your same experience?
"Stay Strong"
10. What additional statements, if any, would you like to make about your situation?
"Here are a few things that I will take away with me." .................
"Thank God everyday for your life healthy or ill Never take anything for granted Thankful for your parents and family Thankful for your friends support and being there Thanks to a country that has great medicine and smart doctors Thankful for compassionate and dedicated nurses" "Thankful for your web site that recognizes athletes , children, moms , dads, brothers and sister that are fighting . "
