on super bowl sunday ~ a lesson in teamwork, courage and never giving up!

on this super bowl sunday, we share a journey of teamwork, courage and the art of never giving up. 

written by my niece, erin fairfax, for our beloved amy.  amy strong.

this is amy's story ~

Life Cup Soccer Tournament  
My mom said she didn’t know how to tell this part of the story. I felt destined to write as the idea for this post awoke me from my sleep, mind racing.   So here is an update family, friends, and supporters.  

RU Team Amy Strong vs. Neuroendocrine Carcinoma  
On Tuesday we found out who our opponents are:   ERBB2, ATM, CCNE1, MYC, TP53   The toughest opponents on the field.  Undefeated.   But our spirits are not broken.  We’ve put up a good fight to get here, to the championship game, and we are not giving up now.   


Top coaches: UCSF, Stanford, Dr. Bergsland, Dr. Cabeebe Team Captain: Sarah Nash MVP: Amy  

This week we traveled to MD Anderson to find new players for our team. On the way out, we almost lost our team captain due to the stomach bug and missed our first game due to weather, but alas we made it! The coach at MD Anderson was very good, Dr. Yao. All the recruits played a good game but in the end there just wasn’t a good match. We were knocked down but came away with our head held high.  We will find one!  

Mets to the liver. No clinical trials available in Texas.  

The last game of the tournament in Texas was tough.  Muscles so sore. Mentally drained. We didn’t win, no new recruits, but we didn’t give up. Bags packed, signs in hand we headed to the airport.   No seats available on any flights…we recruited our fans to help find a flight home.  It took a village, but we did it! Thank you Southwest and all who helped. We couldn’t have waited another day.  

Pain, pain so bad it took double the dose. Nausea like no other.  

Emergency crews met us on the tarmac. We spent the night with our teammates at UCSF and feeling recharged; we headed home to San Jose.   We met with our coach, Dr. Bergsland. She gave us two choices for new recruits:   Hospice or CAV (Cytoxin Adriamycin vincristine)    We chose CAV because WE ARE AMY STRONG!   So here we are, playing another game with CAV.  We’ve been recharged with platelets, pain meds and family.   

Admitted to Good Samaritan hospital. Kids under 16 not allowed up due to flu season. Boo!  

Whether or not we win our last match of the tournament we know we gave it our all.  We recruited the best players.  We’ve left no stone unturned. We’ve given it our best and we have amazing fans. Through it all our coaches say we have been a good sport.  

Sportsmanship: Conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing.  

On Super bowl Sunday, whether your team wins or loses, be a good sport. Shake your opponent’s hand and say, “Good Game.”  Walk away with your head held high; cause sometimes, even when you try your hardest, winning isn’t everything. It’s that dash in the middle, the game you played.  You’ve put up a good fight.  

Dash in the middle: life, playing offense and defense, with dignity, class and an unwavering spirit.  It’s what raises the crowd up to support you.  Makes them stand up to their feet, scream and shout.  Cheering, Amy Strong! Stand up, do the wave with us! Leap up, head held high. Arms in the air! We are taking it to overtime, no a shoot out. Until there is nothing left to give.  Leaving it all on the field.  

Cheering for you! Good game, Amy.  The toughest player out there!   The Strongest I know. We love you.   Play on!   Infinite strength, infinite love.   Now stand up for Team Amy Strong, do the wave for her! Show us your fighting spirit. Post photos and video of you doing the wave!