CSU student athlete awarded for Courage

Cleveland State University's Brandee Kelly, a guard on the women's basketball team, was presented with the 2011 Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Courage Award on Thursday, Feb. 3 at the Cleveland Sports Awards for her inspiring determination and journey in overcoming lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

This award honors extraordinary student athletes who faced medical challenges in their lives, but allowed their drive and courage to steer the way to a healthier tomorrow, as well as get them back to doing what they love—playing sports.

Kelly, a sophomore, was diagnosed with lymphoma her freshman year at CSU. When the doctors first told her the devastating news, shock and disbelief were all she could think about.

"I was very nervous and scared," Kelly said. "People die from cancer, and I was scared for my life. I thought I wasn't going to play basketball anymore."

After being diagnosed, she received several rounds of chemotherapy over the course of four months at the Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. The toll that the treatment took on her life was undeniable.

"Everything changed," Kelly said. "I couldn't really do anything because I was so tired from chemotherapy. My body was weak, and I just wanted to go to sleep all the time."

It was a daily struggle attending classes and remaining involved in the team's daily routine. One of the most difficult challenges Kelly had to endure throughout her condition was having to watch her teammates from the sidelines.

She recollects a time when she had gone to the gym to play basketball during her lymphoma, but the girls there would not allow Kelly to play with her. They were warned by coaches that Kelly could not play until she was healthy.

"When that happened, it was absolutely heartbreaking," Kelly said. "I just wanted to play, and it hurt my feelings that this was happening to me."

Fortunately, late July brought life-changing news for Kelly as she had completed her final treatment session, signaling her victorious cancer battle.

"I wasn't going to give up," Kelly said. "I realized that I had so much more I wanted to do in life, and I had to get back to playing basketball. My support system—my family, coaches and teammates—were always there for me and got me through it."

Kelly said that since overcoming lymphoma, she appreciates and lives each day to the fullest.

"I don't sweat the small stuff anymore," Kelly said. "I'm on the court every day and working my hardest at everything. There isn't a moment where I'm not."

Kelly also said that anyone facing a medical condition should remain courageous.

"Don't give up," Kelly said. "There is so much to live for."